Assessment of knowledge about nanotechnology in dentistry amongst dental post graduate students in India: An online cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Nanodentistry is one of the most emerging and widely expanding branches in the field of dentistry. The maintenance of near perfect oral health through the use of nanomaterials, biotechnology, including tissue engineering, and nanorobotics can be made possible. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge about nanotechnology in dentistry among postgraduate dental students in India on the basis of questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A structured 20 questionnaire was validated by subject experts in the field of dentistry. The postgraduate students in the field of dentistry in India were approached and were provided with the validated questionnaire for an online survey. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among various postgraduate dental students across India, which evaluated 328 students in total. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out in the present study. Results: On assessing the data statistically, out of 328 participants, 44.80% were from I MDS, 35.40% were from II MDS, and 19.80% were from III MDS. The postgraduate dental students in India had adequate knowledge regarding fourteen out of twenty questions. The students, however, did not have adequate knowledge regarding six questions which comprised history, tools, and techniques about nanotechnology in dentistry. Conclusion: The study was able to assess that postgraduate dental students in India had adequate knowledge regarding nanomaterials used in dentistry; however, knowledge regarding techniques and tools in nanotechnology was not satisfactory.