Insights about Minimally Invasive Dentistry among Dental Students at Chengalpattu District – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: The holistic patient care philosophy known as minimally invasive dentistry involves the full patient–dentist team-care approach. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, perception, and barriers to practice minimally invasive dentistry among dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate dental students’ knowledge, perception, and barriers in practicing minimally invasive dentistry in Chengalpattu district over the period of 6 months. It comprised seven knowledge questions, five questions that assessed the perceptions of students, and five questions about barriers in performing minimally invasive dentistry. The data were checked for completeness and consistency daily and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: About 76.2% of final years, 87.8% of interns, and 100% of postgraduates responded correctly regarding the techniques used in minimally invasive dentistry. There was a strong, positive correlation between the year of the study, knowledge about minimally invasive dentistry, perception about minimally invasive dentistry, and barriers about minimally invasive dentistry which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study identified important data that sufficient knowledge, perception, and barriers about minimally invasive dentistry exist among postgraduates and interns compared to final-year dental students.