Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude and practise of pharmacists on oral healthcare and oral hygiene products in urban and rural areas of Bengaluru city.
Methods: This comparative study was carried out among pharmacists by using self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi- square tests were used for the data analysis. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 310 pharmacists were included from urban and rural areas of Bengaluru city (155 from each location). Only 29.7% of the pharmacies in the rural areas had a nearby dental clinic as compared to urban (78.7%), (p<0.001). Stock of oral health care products ≤10% in urban and rural areas was 36.8% and 94.8% respectively. Toothpaste was most common among the oral healthcare products stocked in both the areas. Toothache was the most common problem seen in both the areas.
Conclusion: Overall the knowledge, attitude and practise were higher among pharmacists in urban areas as compare to rural areas. However, pharmacists in both the areas are presently an underutilized resource, and there is a definitive need to improve their training and access to information on available dental services.
