Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Dental Stem Cells and Tooth Banking among Dental Professionals: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stem cell therapy is new revolutionary technique which can repair many defects of human body. There are two sources of stem cells, one is embryonic and postnatal. Postnatal sites are the ones from which procuring stem cells is easiest. Dental stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth are also obtained from these sources. Dental health professionals must have understanding about dental stem cells for its application. Hence, there is need to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of dental professionals regarding dental stem cells. Aim: To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dental stem cells and tooth banking among dental professionals of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: The study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India from December 2020 to March 2021. Total of dental health professionals participated including undergraduate (interns) and postgraduate students, dental practitioners and faculty members of dental colleges. Participants received the questionnaire in the form of a google form through email and whatsApp. The data was analysed using percentages of total and Chi-square test for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 711 participants, 410 were students, 44 faculties, 207 practitioners and 50 faculties and practitioner both. Among the faculty, knowledge on types of dental stem cells was significantly associated with the years of experience (p-value <0.001). Among the students, first year postgraduate students and interns had significantly less knowledge regarding various applications of dental stem cells (p-value <0.001). Among them, 52.9% participants were aware of stem cell banks in India and 55.5% were aware of names of stem cell banks. Participants suggested that seminars, journals, academic curriculum, conferences or Continued Dental Education (CDE), and advertisement and public notice all should be used to increase awareness of dental stem cells among dental professionals. Conclusion: There was adequate awareness among dental health professionals regarding dental stem cells and their applications but were unaware about tooth banking and its procedure. The study also found that there was lack of knowledge regarding steps of preservation of dental stem cells and their ethical concerns. Therefore, the topic of dental stem cells should be included in dental curriculum.