Evaluation of dental students' awareness and attitude about preventive dental treatments: survey research

Abstract

Aim: Determination of dental students' approaches to fissure sealant applications; the widespread use and evaluation of their effectiveness of protective dental practices is extremely important. This research aims to evaluate the level of understanding and clinical attitudes of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students of Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry on preventive dental treatments. Methods: The first part of the questionnaire consists of 10 questions aimed at assessing the students' technical levels of knowledge with data on age, gender and educational level. In the second section analyzing students' clinical behaviors, 11 questions were asked for answers to multiple choices (always, often, sometimes, never). This questionnaire was used on the internet in an anonymous way. Results: The questionnaire was received by 68 3rd grade, 67 4th grade and 75 5th grade students who were previously educated on fissure sealant applications. The vast majority (96.2 percent) of the students involved in the study indicated that the effectiveness of fissure sealants in preventing the development of tooth decay was confirmed by strong scientific evidence. Again, 99.5 percent of the students participating in the study indicated that the justification of the application procedures for the fissure sealant was identified and understood. With the assumption that only new teeth can be applied to fissure sealants, a statistically significant difference between the classes was observed (p<0.05); 3rd graders responded "yes" mainly. Conclusion: Although dental students have sufficient knowledge of protective dental practices and fissure sealants, variations in understanding and implementing clinical practice procedures may be found between classes. Standardization should be provided and education / lectures on preventive dental practices should be increased to obtain the equivalent of theoretical education at the clinical level.