Abstract
Due to the rapid development of nanotechnology and its integration into dentistry, there is a need for information on the factors influencing the decision of dental health-care workers to use nanomaterials. Based on a national survey among Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists, this study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented with past behavior and perceived risk, to predict the intention to use dental nanomaterials in the future and to assess whether an augmented TPB model operates equivalently across professional groups. Structural equation modelling was used to assess whether the hypothesized model fits the data. Of 1792 eligible participants, 851 responded to an electronic survey. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control had the strongest effect on intention, followed by past behavior and subjective norms. Risk perceptions had an indirect effect on intention. Multigroup comparison confirmed invariance of the model across professional groups. This study supports the validity of the augmented TPB model to explain the intention of Norwegian dentists and dental hygienists to use nanomaterials. The strongest influence on intention is given by the attitudes toward nanomaterials and perceived confidence in their use. The findings of the study have implications for management of the use of nanomaterials in dentistry by policy makers.
Highlights
Nanotechnology is one of the essential technologies of the 21st century [1]
Relying on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) augmented with past behavior and risk perception, the purpose of this study was to predict the intention of dental health-care workers to use nanomaterials in the future and to explore whether the augmented TPB model operates equivalently across the professional groups of dentists and dental hygienists
The questionnaire included the original constructs of the TPB: intention, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms
Summary
Nanotechnology is one of the essential technologies of the 21st century [1] It involves the use of nanomaterials, which are defined as ‘natural, incidental, or manufactured materials containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50% or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1 nm–100 nm’ [2]. As a result of the unique properties of nanoparticles, nanotechnology has become a. A significant body of research has focused on the unique properties of nanoparticles, their toxicological aspects [4, 5] and the development of reliable tools for assessment of nanotoxicity [6, 7]. Relatively little research has been carried out regarding the opinions of stakeholders and the general public on nanotechnology and the intention to use innovative materials
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