Yasmine Tarek Ahmed, Ghadeer Shaker Albeesh, Sarra’a Ali Alzaher, Miral Ahmed Almanasif, Rawa Kamil Almakhamil 

ABSTRACT

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of the dental student in Riyadh Elm University (REU) of early intraoral manifestation of iron deficiency anemia (IDA); to educate them and emphasize the significant role of dentists in early detection of the IDA and helping patients seek medical counseling for early management and treatment of such depleting condition. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 dental students between 18 and 30 years of age from REU. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions which were formulated to evaluate the students’ awareness of intra oral signs of anemia. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS. Results: Female students were found to have a higher awareness levels of signs and symptoms of IDA with general health. Moreover, two-way cross-tabulation showed that females and participants between ages of 25-30 years are more likely to have a better knowledge. Conclusions: Within the limitations of our study, there is sufficient levels of awareness of IDA among REU students. Educating dental students about the symptoms and signs of anemia in oral cavity is very important and REU showed promising awareness among its students in different clinical levels, reflecting great oral diagnosis educational levels.