Plaque, gingivitis and dental aptitude test scores of dental students

In general, plaque and gingivitis scores were correlated negatively with the manual parameters and positively with the academic and mental parameters studied. Plaque showed significant negative correlations with the manual average and the carving test. Gingivitis also demonstrated a negative correlation, just short of significance, with the manual average, but virtually no correlation existed between gingivitis and the carving test. Gingivitis displayed a significant positive correlation with the academic average, and plaque exhibited a nonsignificant positive correlation with the academic average. Relationships between these parameters may help determine what segments of the population are more susceptible to plaque accumulation and gingivitis and may suggest possible new approaches to the adoption of preventive measures. Finally, in view of the statistically significant but relatively low correlation found between manual dexterity and oral health, further investigations are indicated to establish the validity of the relationship.