Knowledge, attitude and practice of tooth morphology among dental students

Abstract

Background: Dental anatomy is one of the basic subjects of dental schools in India while dealt as a specialty on its own abroad. The training imparted to hone the manual skills has paved way to meet the clinical challenges. However, different schools of thought arise whether to retain or ban the dental anatomy subject for future graduates. Aim: To assess the comprehensive skills and application of tooth morphology among dental students. Objectives: (1) To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of tooth morphology in undergraduates (UGs), interns and postgraduates (PGs), (2) to evaluate the differences if any, in the knowledge, attitude and practice of tooth morphology between UGs, interns and PG. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken using an 18 item self-administered questionnaire among UGs, interns and PGs of dental colleges in Bengaluru. A total of 303 student responses were received. Analysis of data was done using SPSS (version 20) software. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge ( P = 0.005) and practice (P = 0.003) of tooth morphology between the three groups, i.e., PG, interns and UGs. The difference in the knowledge ( P = 0.001) and practice (P = 0.001) of tooth morphology between PGs and UGs was observed. A significant difference was obtained only in the knowledge (P = 0.038) of tooth morphology between interns and UGs. Conclusion: We recommend that tooth morphology should remain as a fundamental subject in the dental curriculum in combination with web-based learning aids to improve the learning experience. The curriculum may be revised incorporating research in the fundamental subject to give broader career options to the young graduates.