Relationship Between Dental Students' Personality Profiles and Self-reported Oral Health Behaviour.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between oral health behaviour and personality profiles among dental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred six consecutive (pre-)clinical dental students (58 females and 48 males) were recruited for this observational study. Participants' oral health behaviour was evaluated using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). The NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was used to assess the participants' personality profiles. Main outcome measures were personality dimensions measured by NEO-FFI (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and oral health behaviours measured by HU-DBI (dental visits, toothbrushing, oral health awareness, and oral hygiene practices). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

All participants were completely analysed. The students' level of education and age had no relationship to the HU-DBI and NEO-FFI scores (p > 0.05). The conscientiousness personality scores were associated with better oral health attitude and behaviour (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher scores of the conscientiousness personality dimension were associated with better oral health attitudes and behaviour. Therefore, it is recommended to consider assessment of personality dimensions when oral health attitudes and behaviours are evaluated. Personality profiles might affect oral health behaviour and attitudes of dental care providers. This interaction should be considered as it might potentially impact professionals' capacities to offer oral health care, and this would influence patients' oral health.