ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN DENTISTRY: A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge of dental students and practitioners regarding the role of probiotics in dentistry. Methods: Questionnaire was administered to the students of a SGT University, Gurgaon and general practitioners to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice about rational use of probiotics with respect to oral health. Data was analysed after entering in to a Microsoft excel sheet and by using descriptive statistics. Results : The study found that practicing dentists had the highest knowledge of probiotics, followed by postgraduates and undergraduates. Enhancing education on probiotics is necessary to improve their integration into dental practice. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for improved probiotic education across all levels of dental training to enhance clinical integration. By addressing knowledge gaps, dental professionals can better utilize probiotics to improve patient care. The survey indicates a broad acceptance and awareness of probiotics among dental professionals, with significant emphasis on their benefits for oral and overall health. Both male and female respondents show strong support for incorporating probiotics into oral care, highlighting the potential for greater educational outreach and product development to meet this interest. KEYWORDS: Probiotics, Oral health, Knowledge Aptitude Practice, Questionnaire