Knowledge attitudes and practices regarding toothbrush hygiene and disinfection among dental students in a multicenter cross sectional study

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding toothbrush contamination and disinfection, and to assess differences according to clinical training level and gender. A total of 1206 dental students (years 1–5) from three dental faculties in Turkey were included. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. Of the participants, 767 were preclinical and 439 were clinical students. Mean knowledge, practice, attitude, and total scores were 3.87 ± 0.76, 3.45 ± 1.32, 2.83 ± 0.61, and 10.14 ± 1.86, respectively. Disinfection knowledge was higher in the clinical group ( p = 0.010), whereas disinfection practice was lower ( p = 0.001). The practice rate was significantly higher among students with disinfection knowledge (70.8% vs. 46.2%; p < 0.001) and among those who considered disinfection necessary (57.1% vs. 14.7%; p < 0.001). The most common source of information was social media, and the most frequently reported disinfection method was tap water. Knowledge and positive attitudes do not consistently translate into evidence-based practice among dental students. Although clinical training improves knowledge, it does not independently enhance disinfection behavior. Toothbrush hygiene should therefore be addressed through practice-oriented learning outcomes from the preclinical years.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Scientific Reports, 2026 · DOI ↗