Abstract
The introduction of innovative nanotechnologies in medicine and dentistry may initiate a need for curriculum revision at the universities. The aim of this study was to assess dental students' knowledge and attitudes related to nanotechnology. Covariates of students' intention to use nanomaterials in their future dental practice were evaluated using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Dental students at Norwegian and Romanian Universities were invited to participate. A self-administered structured questionnaire including socio-demographics and Ajzen's TPB components was used. A total of 212 out of 732 dental students participated in the survey: 52 Norwegian and 160 Romanian. Most students reported to have little knowledge about nanotechnology (Norwegians=44.2% vs Romanians=46.9%, P<.05). More than 90% of the students in both countries reported that they wanted to get more information about nanotechnology. Mean knowledge score was similar for Norwegian and Romanian students (4.4±1.7 vs 4.2±1.4, P>.05). Romanian students had more positive attitude, stronger subjective norms and stronger perceived behavioural control towards nanotechnology compared to their Norwegian counterparts. Intention to use nanomaterials in the total sample was most strongly influenced by attitude towards the use of dental nanomaterials (beta=0.42, P<.001). Dental students in Norway and Romania demonstrated limited knowledge about nanotechnology. Intention to use nanomaterials was primarily influenced by attitudes. A clear desire for more information about the application of nanotechnology in dentistry was expressed by the respondents indicating a need for curriculum modification.
Highlights
| INTRODUCTIONNanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of research with broad applications defined “as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres, where unique phenomena enable novel applications” (National Nanotechnology Initiative). nanotechnology has generated great enthusiasm due to its potential to solve many problems, questions remain regarding ethical issues, as well as potential health and environmental risks
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of research with broad applications defined “as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres, where unique phenomena enable novel applications” (National Nanotechnology Initiative).1 nanotechnology has generated great enthusiasm due to its potential to solve many problems, questions remain regarding ethical issues, as well as potential health and environmental risks.2-5Several studies have investigated knowledge and perceptions of nanotechnology in the general population as well as among experts in different countries
The present findings suggest that there is a limited level of knowledge about nanotechnology among dentals students in Norway and Romania
Summary
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of research with broad applications defined “as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres, where unique phenomena enable novel applications” (National Nanotechnology Initiative). nanotechnology has generated great enthusiasm due to its potential to solve many problems, questions remain regarding ethical issues, as well as potential health and environmental risks.. A survey among experts in the United States (US) revealed that respondents rated the risks of nanotechnology substantially lower than the benefits They considered human health and use in weapons risk as the most important and expected the greatest benefits to come in medicine and in the development of new materials for various applications.. Rapid advances are expected, there are yet no empirically based estimates of the acceptance of nanotechnology in medicine and dentistry In this context, it is largely unknown how familiar dental students are with this modern technology, their attitude towards it, and whether or not they intend to use nanomaterials in their future dental practice. The TPB has shown predictive success with a wide range of health‐ and consumer‐related behaviours in various populations and contexts.25 This theory constitutes a promising framework for understanding socio‐cognitive factors underlying dental students' decision to use or not to use nanomaterials in their future dental practice According to the TPB, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control influence behaviour indirectly through intention, which is recognised to be the immediate predictor of actual performance of the behaviour. The TPB has shown predictive success with a wide range of health‐ and consumer‐related behaviours in various populations and contexts. This theory constitutes a promising framework for understanding socio‐cognitive factors underlying dental students' decision to use or not to use nanomaterials in their future dental practice
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