Oral hygiene awareness and oral health services utilization among patients visiting a dental hospital of Bhubaneswar city

Introduction: The objective of the study is to evaluate the oral hygiene awareness and the utilization of oral health services by the patients visiting dental OPD of Kalinga Institute of Dental sciences, Bhubaneswar. Methods: A cross sectional based study was conducted among 204 patients .A structured self-administered questionnaire was employed as the instrument for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0 using Chi square test.The Confidence Level and the Level of Significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. Results: In our study females were 29.4% (n=60) and 70.6% (n=144) were males.In the study maximum number of participants were found to be in the age range of 21-30 years with 56.9% (n=116) followed by age range of 31-40 years with 13.2% (n=27). Conclusion: The current study reveals a lack of knowledge about oral health among patients visiting dental OPD. Thus there is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral hygiene and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices.