فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Objective(s): Dentists have an important role in improving the knowledge of their patients regarding the indications and correct use of mouthwashes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge of dental students about commonly used mouthwashes for oral health. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 275 dental students from 8th to 12th semesters at Shahid Beheshti (N=150) and Babol Dental Schools (N=125) in 2021. A structured validated questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was used to assess students' knowledge regarding the prescription, indications, and side effects of four mouthwash types: chlorhexidine, fluoride, benzydamine, and anti-plaque. The questionnaire's content validity was ensured through expert review and calculation of the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Reliability was confirmed with a test-retest method and calculation of interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Participants' responses were scored with scores categorized as low, medium, or high knowledge. Data was analyzed using Welch’s ANOVA and independent T-tests (α= 0.05). Results: The overall mean of knowledge score was 11.22, with no significant difference between the two universities (p= 0.36).  Knowledge scores did not differ significantly between male and female students. Students' knowledge about chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwashes was significantly higher compared to benzydamine and anti-plaque mouthwashes(p =0.033). Students' knowledge about chlorhexidine mouthwash was significantly higher in the 11th and 12th semesters compared to the 8th and 9th semesters (p=0.03), while knowledge about fluoride mouthwash showed no significant difference across semesters (p=0.16). Conclusion: The present study revealed an overall low level of knowledge regarding the proper use, indications, and side effects of mouthwashes among dental students in Tehran and Babol. The findings underscore the necessity for dental schools to enhance their educational programs by providing more comprehensive instruction on the various types of mouthwashes, their appropriate uses, potential side effects, and associated benefits.