Knowledge and attitude of dental postgraduate students towards oral and peri-oral piercing in Davanagere city: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Oral and perioral piercing when performed under unhygienic conditions, can cause certain complications. Hence, a study was conducted in dental colleges of Davanagere city among postgraduate students with the aim to assess their knowledge and attitude towards oral and peri-oral piercing.Methods: Across-sectional survey involved 212 dental postgraduate students of dental colleges in Davanagere city who consented to participate. A pretested, validated, self-administered questionnaire containing 15 multiple-choice items assessing the postgraduate students’ knowledge and attitude towards oral and peri-oral piercing practices was used for data collection. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages.Results: Participants had fair knowledge regarding oral and perioral piercing. Majority of participants (75%) felt oral and peri-oral piercing practices as a sign of style /fashion statement. Around 45-50% felt tongue piercing and nose piercing (66%) as most prevalent type among oral and perioral piercing practices and canine was the most preferred tooth for piercing (43%). Majority (55%) felt that piercing practices were performed by unlicensed people. Many (79%) were aware of complications associated with piercing and suggested removal of pierced metal in such conditions (58%). Around 76.7% said they preferred Cosmetic dentist for piercing and 94% felt that dentists with oral and perioral piercing strongly influence the perception of their patients towards oral piercing.Conclusion: Dental postgraduates had fair knowledge regarding oral and peri-oral piercing practice and its possible complications. However, the attitude towards the practice which is highly prevalent in the society was affirmative and positive among postgraduates which is a cause of concern.