The use of internet as a source of oral health information among dental patients in Bangalore City - A questionaire study

Introduction: Between 2000 and 2008, internet usage worldwide has almost tripled and a current population penetration of over 20% exists. It allows increased access to medical and dental information and can be used for patient self education. There is little evidence about how the Internet is impacting dentistry and how it is used by dental patients as a source of information on oral health & its effects on oral hygiene practices of patients. Material and methods: The data was collected from 572 patients attending outpatient department of public and private sector hospitals by administering a specially designed proforma. Results: Out of 572 respondents using internet 150 (26.2%) of the respondents used internet for information on oral health, a higher number of males & a significantly higher percentage of people aged between 18 to 40 years used the internet. Significantly higher number of respondents in private sector used internet as a source of information on oral health. Discussion: Difference in the usage of internet for information on oral health by gender and age groups was due to relatively higher access of internet at work place and through cybercafés; which is similar to study conducted by Riordain et al. Significantly higher number of patients from private sector and higher educational background used internet as socio- economic status and education act as a barrier for the usage of internet. Similar models can be developed to replicate amongst different regions of the world. Conclusion: Patients from younger age group, private sector and higher educational qualification used net as source of oral health information. Keywords: internet, oral health, information