Evaluation of periodontal disease in dental students

A cross-sectional study was conducted on dental students at Bahadurgarh, Haryana, for the assessment of periodontal health and possible associated factors. A total of 329 students were examined clinically by periodontists. Students with bleeding on probing and attachment loss ≥ 2 mm were assessed further for extent of bone loss radiographically. The awareness of disease and knowledge of management was also assessed. Sixty-three (19.1%) students showed clinical signs of disease and 21 (6.3%) had cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the bone crest distance of ≥2 mm. Proximal carious lesions were observed in nine cases of attachment loss. Mottled enamel with a roughened surface had association with attachment loss. The clinical students showed reasonable knowledge of disease and management. The need to strengthen the diagnostics for early detection of periodontal disease in young adults is suggested.