Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between oral health knowledge, behavior and orthodontic satisfaction in orthodontic patients visiting dental hospitals and clinics and provided suggestions to improve orthodontic patients' satisfaction. This study anayzed structured self-administered questionnaires collected from 245 patients who visited 5 dental clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Regarding oral health knowledge, the highest percentage of correct answers was for the item "Cavities heal themselves over time" (97.1%), and the lowest percentage of correct answers was for the item "Cavity bacteria move from tooth to tooth" (16.7%). Five fluoride items showed a lower percentage of correct answers than those for cavity and gingival diseases. Regarding the survey on oral health behavior, the highest score was found for the item "I brush my teeth with a certain method and order" (3.78 out of 5), and the lowest score was found for the item "I use an electric toothbrush" (1.34 out of 5). Regarding the survey on orthodontic satisfaction, the highest score was found for the item "I would recommend receiving medical treatment at the department of orthodontics" (4.23), and the lowest score was found for the item "Orthodontic cost is reasonable" (3.46). While oral health behavior had on orthodontic satisfaction, oral health knowledge had no effect on it. Oral health behaviors should be improved to enhance orthodontic satisfaction. To improve oral health behavior, it is necessary to develop and activate education programs for tooth brushing and oral care for orthodontic patients.