Secondary school students in Nigeria face challenges regarding their oral health. Few
researchers have investigated oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in Nigerian
populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of oral health knowledge,
behaviors, and practices among secondary school students in Enugu State, Nigeria, in
relation to their oral health status. The theoretical framework of this study was based on
the health belief model. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 12
secondary schools in Enugu State, using a close-ended questionnaire as well as oral
examination (dental caries and periodontal diseases) of the students who attended junior
secondary (JSS) I, II, and III classes. A total stratified sample of 671 students was
included in the study.