Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of non-medical students regarding impacted teeth: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of non-medical students regarding impacted teeth and the factors associated with KAP. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study enrolled non-medical students at two universities (Northeastern University and Shenyang Conservatory of Music) in northeastern China between December 2022 and February 2023. Scores > 70% were defined as adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practice. Results A total of 519 non-medical students participated in this study. Most participants were male (54.72%), ≤ 20 years of age (72.83%), and freshmen (36.03%). The mean knowledge score was 4.98 ± 3.46 (possible range: 0–10), indicating poor knowledge (49.80%). The multivariable analysis showed that having impacted teeth were independently associated with adequate knowledge (OR = 3.114, 95% CI: 1.589–6.103, P = 0.001). The mean attitude score was 24.65 ± 3.78 (possible range: 7–35), indicating favorable attitudes (70.43%). The knowledge (OR = 1.182, 95% CI: 1.116–1.251, P < 0.001), junior grade (OR = 0.541, 95% CI: 0.327–0.895, P = 0.017), senior grade and above (OR = 0.477, 95% CI: 0.274–0.829, P = 0.009), and a history of impacted tooth extraction (OR = 2.386, 95% CI: 1.048–5.436, P = 0.038) were independently associated with the good attitudes. The mean practice score was 21.45 ± 5.64 (possible range: 6–30), indicating positive practice (71.50%). The knowledge (OR = 1.074, 95% CI: 1.017–1.133, P = 0.010) and female (OR = 1.501, 95% CI: 1.052–2.141, P = 0.025) were independently associated with the proactive practices. Conclusions Non-medical students had poor knowledge but favorable attitudes and good practice toward impacted teeth. Non-medical students require additional education and awareness about the importance of early detection and management of impacted teeth. Clinical relevance The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness among non-medical students regarding impacted teeth.