Background/Objective: The World Health Organization has classified diabetes mellitus as a pandemic disease, which is causing it to become a major worldwide health concern. It can have significant long-term repercussions, especially on dental health, if treatment is not received. The study aimed to explore patients with type 2 diabetes, awareness to, perceptions to and practices regarding oral health, in addition to their experiences. Materials and Methods: convergent triangulation was applied from May to November 2022. 376 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in the quantitative part and 13 patients involved in the qualitative study. The quantitative study was applied in five primary health centers representing the five Gaza governorates using self-developed semi-structured questionnaire. The qualitative study was applied in two central primary health centers. Descriptive analysis was applied using the SPSS software and thematic analysis was approached for the qualitative study. Results: 64,4% of patients see themselves susceptible to oral health problems, and 67,8% perceived severity of oral complications of diabetes mellitus. Moreover, 73,2% perceived benefits from oral health practices and 56,2% perceived barriers to oral health practices. Patients' awareness regarding oral health complications from DM and oral health practices are inadequate (57,6%), as well as oral health habits (42,5%). Main themes elucidated from the qualitative study are dental care service quality, patient-dentist interaction, oral hygiene and self-care, and the patient's experiences with oral health problems. Conclusions: there is a need to strengthen the primary health care system toward improving oral health care, awareness and meeting patients' needs

Dr. Aesha Fetaiha is a dedicated dental professional and public health advocate based in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Dentistry from Cairo University and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Al-Quds University. She currently serves as a practicing dentist at Dr. Aesha Fetaiha Dental Clinic in Gaza, where she provides comprehensive dental care to the community. In addition to her clinical work, she plays a vital role in humanitarian healthcare as the Medical Activity Supervisor for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), overseeing critical medical support programs and public health initiatives in the region. With a strong commitment to improving health outcomes through both clinical service and public health leadership, Dr. Fetaiha brings valuable insight into the intersection of healthcare delivery, community health, and medical outreach in challenging environments. Her work reflects a deep passion for equitable healthcare access and evidence-based practice, and she is honored to contribute her experience to international platforms focused on advancing health and well-being