Title : Significance of oral health literacy in dentistry
Abstract:
Literacy skills are needed for virtually every aspect of daily life; this includes the ability to access health information and allow an individual to remain in good health. Individuals must be able to understand, process, and act upon information to manage disease and remain healthy. Literacy does not solely mean one's ability to read information but also encompasses writing, numeracy, speaking, and listening. Patients can obtain information relating to both general and oral health from a vast array of sources. This includes written and pictorial material, the internet, television, and conversations with healthcare professionals and laypeople. Oral health literacy (OHL) with its five important key dimensions assesses the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic oral health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Many recent researches have shown that there is strong evidence linking oral health status with OHL. The most widely used oral health literacy measurement tools are based on either the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) or the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (ToFHLA). OHL levels significantly predicted dental visits, their frequency, and toothbrushing frequency among university students. A person's oral health literacy results from a complex interaction of his/her education, ethnic background, culture, and language ability. These factors interact with external forces such as healthcare organizations and policies, available patient information, healthcare professionals, and their communication skills, in addition to others. Dental care professionals have a direct effect on a person's oral health literacy. Given the importance of patient care in the prevention and management of oral diseases.
