Normaliza Ab MalikAws Hashim Ali Al-KhadimMuhammad Syafiq AlauddinSiti Nur Farhanah Mohd DesaAzlan Jaafar2024-05-292024-05-2920201675-85442-s2.0-85085627191https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85085627191&partnerID=40&md5=e7f95192a0b99cdd3bf4811e998b0a60https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2020042010095809_MJMHS_0200.pdfhttps://medic.upm.edu.my/jurnal_kami/malaysian_journal_of_medicine_and_health_sciences_mjmhs/mjmhs_vol_16_no_2_may_2020-56552https://oarep.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/9666Mal J Med Health Sci 16(2): 63-68, May 2020Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dental plaque removal and to determine factors that could influence its efficacy when using the non-dominant hand. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed on a group of dental students. Dominant hands were determined using Edinburg Handedness Inventory questionnaire, and the dental plaque scores were examined using Quigley-Hein (Turesky) index. All of the participants were examined twice for dental plaque index scores. Data obtained was analyzed using a paired t-test and an independent t-test. Factors which influenced the dental plaque removal were listed and categorized accordingly. Results: A total of 62 dental undergraduates participated in the study. A high percentage of them, (71%, n = 44) were found to be right-handed. There was a significant increase in the dental plaque score for the left-handed participants, from baseline (use of the dominant hand) to follow-up appointment (after brushing their teeth with non-dominant hands) (p< 0.01). A significant change was found between the right- and left-handed participants in the first quadrant of the buccal side (p<0.05). Factors identified to be beneficial in dental plaque control were; using a mirror while brushing, extending brushing time, increasing brushing frequency, using additional tooth aids and powered toothbrushes. Conclusions: This study revealed that left-handed participants have less ability to remove dental plaque with their non-dominant hands. The right-handed participants, showed better controls in plaque removal with their non-dominant hands, compared to their left-handed peers on the buccal side of the first quadrant.en-USDental plaqueNon-dominant handOral healthOral hygieneArticle6368162