Analysis of factors affecting the scaling experience of patients visiting the dental prophylaxis practice lab

Received : 24 July, 2013 Revised : 7 November, 2013 Accepted : 3 December, 2013 ABSTRACT Objectives : The purpose of this study is to establish the regular scaling checkup service and to improve oral health care on the basis of knowledge, attitude, and belief by Dental Prophylaxis Practice Lab in A university. Methods : Subjects were 324 patients who visited Dental Prophylaxis Practice Lab in A university for the preventive removal of tartar from April to June 8, 2012. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 through the frequency analysis, chi-test, and logistics regression analysis. Corresponding Author Gyu-Yil Choi Department of Dental Hygiene Chungcheong University 38 Wolgok-Gil, Gangnae-Myeon Cheongwon-Gun Chungcheongbuk-Do, 363-792, korea. Tel : +82-43-230-2475, +82-10-4856-3466 Fax : +82-43-230-2669 E-mail : edugy@hanmail.net Results : In relation to scaling experience by age, 65.3% had experienced scaling checkup and those between 20 to 29 (34.7%) did not receive the scaling therapy. Smokers tended to have received more scaling experience than nonsmokers. Second, the number of untreated dental caries and missing teeth due to dental caries were important because the variables of oral health condition affected the scaling experience. Conclusions : It is necessary to increase the scaling experience and regular dental checkup by providing the education to improve dental clinics visit based on the knowledge and belief towards the scaling.