[Self evaluation and objective dental findings]

In the course of a stomatological study, 354 students were asked for a self-assessment of their dental and oral hygiene and of their dental state. The results obtained were compared with those from an objective evaluation of the dental and oral hygiene and of the dental state of these individuals. Furthermore, the authors made inquiries about oral hygiene habits and knowledge of health, using anonymous questionnaires, 352 of which could be evaluated. Owing to the considerable overestimation of their dental and oral hygiene and of their dental state by the students, there was a great discrepancy from the objective findings, which existed also between the actual knowledge of health and its regular and deliberate application.