Knowledge and attitude in implant dentistry training courses amongst undergraduate dental students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Abstract

Due to the increase of implant treatments in daily practice, graduates should be well acquainted with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge in implantology. This study sought to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students towards the benefits of their courses in the implant dentistry curriculum. This survey study was performed on all senior dental students at Pardis International Campus, School of Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire containing various items on knowledge and attitude. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were already approved. Collected data were coded, entered in Microsoft Excel 2019, and analysed by t-test (α=.05). Forty questionnaires were filled out by 28 female and 12 male students. Only 7.5% and 12.5% of students reported that they had adequate knowledge to conduct the surgical and prosthetic steps of dental implant treatment, respectively. The majority of students had a positive attitude towards the quality of theoretical education. However, less than 50% of them perceived the same about their practical education. No significant difference existed between male and female students regarding their responses to the knowledge and attitude questions (p=.458 and p=.288, respectively). Ninety percent of the students felt the need for further education regarding dental implant treatment in the undergraduate curriculum. Despite the satisfaction of the theoretical knowledge, most senior students believed that they did not achieve adequate expertise to practice after graduation and were willing to receive further practical training in implantology.