Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess oral health knowledge and behavior levels of community pharmacists as a step toward projecting them to play the role of oral health partners and to confirm pharmacists’ willingness to participate in oral health education programs. Methods: t-test and one-way analysis of variance were performed to analyze the data, and correlation analysis was also performed. Results: The mean score for pharmacists’ oral health knowledge was 7.29 out of 10. Of the 12 questions asked, the correct answer rate was highest for the question about the effect of smoking cessation on periodontal disease prevention; conversely, the correct answer rate was lowest for the question about the effect of taking medication for gingival infections on periodontal disease prevention. The mean score for pharmacists’ oral health behavior was 2.97 out of 4 points. Of all oral health behaviors, brushing twice a day was the most practiced, whereas immediately visiting a dentist in case of an oral health issue was the least practiced. Pharmacists’ oral health knowledge and behavior levels showed a weak positive correlation with their intention to participate in oral health education programs. Conclusions: Oral health education programs are necessary to improve community pharmacists’ oral health knowledge and behavior.
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