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Submitted
27 May 2025
Accepted
8 September 2025
Published
30 December 2025
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Abstract

Abstract: Background: Oral health is a combination of social, psychological, and physiological factors that are critical for our quality of life. Many commonly prescribed antidepressants and antipsychotics are somehow associated with profound oral health side effects. While dental professionals are well-educated in these effects, the awareness among other health specialty students remains unclear. Since they are involved in patient care and medication prescription, their knowledge in this point is crucial. The study seeks to assess knowledge and awareness levels about the impact of psychological and depression medicines on oral health. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their confidence in discussing these effects with patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire among 351 health specialty students, excluding dental students. The data were analyzed to determine knowledge and attitude levels and differences among specialties. Results: The study found that most health specialties students had moderate knowledge of the oral side effects of psychotropic drugs, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics. Female students and those in private universities generally scored higher. A strong positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude, indicating that improving knowledge may enhance attitudes. However, gaps remain in understanding specific drug effects like bruxism and xerostomia, highlighting the need for better interdisciplinary education. Conclusions: Different attitudes toward antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines are common among health specialty students. It is therefore necessary to improve their knowledge levels towards the impact of such drugs on oral health.

Keywords

Attitude; Antidepressive Agents; Antipsychotic Drugs; Dental; Healthcare Delivery; Health Occupations; Knowledge; Students

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Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Contemporary Dental Sciences

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How to Cite
Alghamdi, R., Alballaa, R., Alamoudi, R., Alfawal, H., Alsarah, A., Alshihabi, R., Almuzher, S., Alzahrani, K., & Abdelrasoul, M. (2025). Knowledge and Attitude of Health Specialties Students Towards Psychological and Depression Medicines on Oral Health. Journal of Contemporary Dental Sciences, 2(4), 8–17. Retrieved from https://jcds.qu.edu.sa/index.php/JCDS/article/view/2389
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