Environmental health literacy among oral healthcare professionals—a comparison across professional groups
- 1Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, King Saud University
Abstract
Introduction: The present study aimed to assess environmental health literacy (EHL) among oral healthcare professionals and compare levels between dentists and non-dentist personnel in oral healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study included dentists and non-dentist oral healthcare professionals (academicians, dental assistants, and allied health professionals) recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire assessing four EHL domains: knowledge, attitude, confidence, and practice, along with demographic and professional characteristics. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and composite scores were calculated, with ≥70% considered a good literacy level. Data was analyzed using R Statistical Software, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests, Spearman correlation, and multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results: A total of 384 participants were included, of whom 258 were dentists and 126 were non-dentists. The overall literacy mean (SD) scores were comparable between dentists and non-dentists, with no statistically significant difference in overall literacy levels, at 70.5 (15.1) and 73.4 (15.8), respectively ( p = 0.090). However, non-dentists demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores and a greater proportion of good knowledge levels compared with dentists ( p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in attitude, confidence, or practice domains. Significant positive correlations were found among all literacy domains in both groups. Regression analysis showed that among dentists, older age, attendance at environmental health events, and prior training were significantly associated with higher literacy levels, whereas among non-dentists, attendance at scientific events and place of residence were significant predictors.
Conclusion: Overall, EHL was moderate among oral healthcare professionals, with notable differences in knowledge favoring non-dentists. Strengthening environmental health education and continuing professional development is essential to enhance literacy levels and promote sustainable oral healthcare practices.
Related
- AI information literacy in healthcare context: profiles and associated variables among healthcare professionals
- Clinical AI Liability Literacy, Disclosure Confidence, and Adoption Readiness Among Romanian Healthcare Professionals: An Exploratory Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.
- Canadian healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards climate change and the environmental impact of inhalers
- Exploring Medical Professionals’ Perspectives on Cannabinoid Use in Professional and Elite-Level Contact Sports: A Qualitative Inquiry
- Substance use among helping professionals: rationalization and negotiation of professional identity
BibTeX
@article{alkattan2026environmental,
title = {{Environmental health literacy among oral healthcare professionals—a comparison across professional groups}},
author = {Reem Al-Kattan},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1933350},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1933350/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Environmental health literacy among oral healthcare professionals—a comparison across professional groups
AU - Reem Al-Kattan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1933350
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1933350/full
AB - Introduction: The present study aimed to assess environmental health literacy (EHL) among oral healthcare professionals and compare levels between dentists and non-dentist personnel in oral healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study included dentists and non-dentist oral healthcare professionals (academicians, dental assistants, and allied health professionals) recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire assessing four EHL domains: knowledge, attitude, confidence, and practice, along with demographic and professional characteristics. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and composite scores were calculated, with ≥70% considered a good literacy level. Data was analyzed using R Statistical Software, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests, Spearman correlation, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 384 participants were included, of whom 258 were dentists and 126 were non-dentists. The overall literacy mean (SD) scores were comparable between dentists and non-dentists, with no statistically significant difference in overall literacy levels, at 70.5 (15.1) and 73.4 (15.8), respectively ( p = 0.090). However, non-dentists demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores and a greater proportion of good knowledge levels compared with dentists ( p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in attitude, confidence, or practice domains. Significant positive correlations were found among all literacy domains in both groups. Regression analysis showed that among dentists, older age, attendance at environmental health events, and prior training were significantly associated with higher literacy levels, whereas among non-dentists, attendance at scientific events and place of residence were significant predictors. Conclusion: Overall, EHL was moderate among oral healthcare professionals, with notable differences in knowledge favoring non-dentists. Strengthening environmental health education and continuing professional development is essential to enhance literacy levels and promote sustainable oral healthcare practices.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -