The relationship between oral health literacy with failed appointments and DMFT in adults attending orthodontic clinic of Birjand

Background: Oral health literacy (OHL) is one of the most important determinants of oral health. A missed appointment has many potential implications for oral health and treatment outcomes. Given the importance of the topic in community oral health programming, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between oral health literacy, missed appointments, and DMFT in adults attending the orthodontic clinic of Birjand.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۱۷۲ adults who were randomly referred to Birjand orthodontic clinic. Health literacy was assessed using the questionnaire OHL-AQ. In addition, missed appointments were reviewed over a one-year period. DMF index was also calculated using the patient's first panoramic radiograph. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version ۱۸. A significant level (p = ۰.۰۵) was considered.Results: This study was conducted on ۱۷۲ patients referred to the orthodontic clinic, with a mean age of ۲۴,۶۴.۹ years, a minimum age of ۱۸ and a maximum age of ۴۲ years. The oral health literacy of the participants was ۱۲.۲۳.۲ There was no significant association between oral health literacy and gender, missed appointments, and DMFT index (P > ۰.۰۵), but education was an effective factor for the level of oral health literacy (P < ۰.۰۰۲).Conclusion: The study found adequate OHL, which could be due to a high level of education. However, health policy makers should devise programs to promote oral health in the community. Oral health literacy was not influenced by gender, absenteeism and DMFT, but education was a factor that influenced the level of oral health literacy.