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Differences in pericoronitis knowledge among Chinese undergraduates: a cross-disciplinary survey in Northeastern
Zhinuo Zhuang1, Jing Fu1, Yutong Zhang1
1School and Hospital of Stomatology, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110002, China.
Background:
Pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum around a partially erupted third molar (wisdom tooth), frequently affects young adults. Despite its prevalence, the level of awareness and understanding of pericoronitis among undergraduates in various academic fields remains poorly characterized, especially among students outside health-related majors. Improving this knowledge is important to encourage timely care and prevent complications.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2025 among 664 first- and second-year undergraduates from three universities in Northeastern China (majoring in dentistry, general medicine [non-dental], and non-medical fields). A validated 17-item questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.82) assessed knowledge of pericoronitis (etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment) and general oral health awareness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Knowledge scores (0-12) were computed, with a threshold (≥ 7) for "good" knowledge.
Results:
Dental students demonstrated significantly higher pericoronitis knowledge than their medical and non-medical peers, with second-year dental students scoring the highest. For example, over 90% of dental sophomores answered key questions correctly, versus roughly half of medical and one-third of non-medical students (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, even dental students showed some misconceptions, and chronic-case management was poorly understood by all groups. Students with a family dental background or personal pericoronitis experience were significantly more likely to attain a "good" knowledge score.
Conclusions:
A pronounced disparity in pericoronitis-related knowledge exists among undergraduates, favoring dental students and revealing substantial deficits in non-dental fields. These gaps indicate clear targets for cross-disciplinary education to improve awareness, preventive behaviors, and earlier recognition and management of common conditions such as pericoronitis. In summary, dental undergraduates markedly outperformed medical and non-medical peers. Embedding concise, evidence-based oral-health content within non-dental programs is a practical step to narrow this gap and support timely care.
