Perceptions Of Dental Students Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude and perception of Italian dental students toward HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and vaccination: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). This study aimed to carry out a Knowledge, Attitude and Perception survey on HPV infection, HPV+ OPSCC, and HPV vaccination among Italian dental students.MethodsThrough an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of 82 questions, data on dental students’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions concerning HPV+ OPSCC, infection and vaccination were acquired. A statistical analysis, based on their year of attendance (early career, from 1st to 3rd year vs. late career, from 4th to 6th year) was also conducted.ResultsA total of 412 dental students completed the questionnaire. Knowledge of HPV+ OPSCC was reported by 61% of early-career students and 73% of late-career students, with high awareness of the HPV-OPSCC correlation in both groups (85% vs. 89%, respectively). The percentage of correct responses regarding HPV infection knowledge was 61% for early-career and 73% for late-career students, while vaccine knowledge was 70% and 78%, respectively. Over 90% of students acknowledged the dentist’s role in educating patients about HPV and OPSCC, and attitudes toward discussing HPV and vaccination were positive. However, only about half would recommend the vaccine to either gender. Statistically significant differences were found between early- and late-career groups across all knowledge sections (p < 0.001), while no significant differences emerged for perception (p = 0.076) or attitude (p = 0.147).ConclusionsThe study reveals encouraging results but highlights significant gaps in dental students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward HPV+ OPSCC, infection, and vaccination. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training in dental curricula could improve HPV prevention awareness and patient education, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Dental Students Regarding Digital Dentistry in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Dental Students Regarding Digital Dentistry in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study

Leadership competencies for dentists: What do undergraduate students think?

Dentists face difficult situations and challenges every day, but undergraduate dental students in Pakistan are not formally taught leadership skills or assessed for these skills. This study aims to explore the perception of undergraduate dental students on various leadership competencies. A multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study was conducted on undergraduate students in five institutions by using universal sampling technique. Students were asked to self-assess various leadership competencies for dentists based on 15 competencies using a validated questionnaire utilizing Likert scale response format. Responses to these items were presented as frequency and percentage. The overall scores were presented in mean and standard deviation and median and interquartile range. The differences in median scores of all items of the questionnaire between male and female students were determined with Mann Whitney U tests. The year-wise differences in the median of all response items of the questionnaire were determined using Kruskal Wallis H test. A total of 750 students, of which 570 (76%) were females and 180 (24%) were males, participated in the study. Most of the students (n = 708, 94.4%) did not attended any leadership course or workshop in the last five years. Majority of the students perceived that their leadership competencies were fair to excellent. Empathy was perceived as 'excellent' by the majority of the students (n = 294, 39.2%). Majority of the students (n = 319, 42.5%) perceived that their 'authenticity' skills were 'good'. Statistically significant differences were reported between male and female students in most of the leadership skills including 'compassion', 'advocacy skills', 'inquiry skills', 'empathy', 'integrity', 'ability to build trust with others', 'managing conflict', 'leading groups/teams', 'dealing with difficult personalities', and 'likelihood to exercise leadership during a crisis' (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the median item scores in 13 out of 15 leadership domains and the year of study (p < 0.05). The study identified the perceptions of students regarding different leadership competencies. It gives indications that which leadership competencies need to be incorporated, promoted, and enhanced in leadership curriculum to make them effective dental practitioners and leaders in future. Incorporating these targeted leadership courses into the curriculum can provide participants with the opportunity to refine their existing leadership strengths and develop a well-rounded set of competencies essential for making a significant contribution in their chosen fields.

Perception and Attitude of Dental Students Towards Geriatric Care: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

Perception and Attitude of Dental Students Towards Geriatric Care: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

Shaping future practices: German-speaking medical and dental students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence in healthcare

BackgroundThe growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare necessitates understanding the perspectives of future practitioners. This study investigated the perceptions of German-speaking medical and dental students regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their future practices.MethodsA 28-item survey adapted from the AI in Healthcare Education Questionnaire (AIHEQ) and the Medical Student’s Attitude Toward AI in Medicine (MSATAIM) scale was administered to students in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland from April to July 2023. Participants were recruited through targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram and were required to be proficient in German and enrolled in medical or dental programs. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, t tests, and thematic analysis of the open-ended responses.ResultsOf the 409 valid responses (mean age = 23.13 years), only 18.2% of the participants reported receiving formal training in AI. Significant positive correlations were found between self-reported tech-savviness and AI familiarity (r = 0.67) and between confidence in finding reliable AI information and positive attitudes toward AI (r = 0.72). While no significant difference in AI familiarity was found between medical and dental students, dental students exhibited slightly more positive attitudes toward the integration of AI into their future practices.ConclusionThis study underscores the need for comprehensive AI education in medical and dental curricula to address knowledge gaps and prepare future healthcare professionals for the ethical and effective integration of AI in practice.

Artificial Intelligence Readiness, Perceptions, and Educational Needs Among Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) profoundly affecting education, ensuring that students in health disciplines are ready to embrace AI is essential for their future workforce integration. This study aims to explore dental students' readiness to use AI, perceptions about AI in health education and healthcare, and their AI-related educational needs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students at the College of Dental Medicine, Qatar University. The survey assessed readiness for AI using the Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale (MAIRS). Students' perceptions of AI in healthcare and health education and their educational needs were also explored. A total of 94 students responded to the survey. AI readiness scores were average (3.3 ± 0.64 out of 5); while participants appeared more ready for the vision and ethics domains of MAIRS, they showed less readiness regarding cognition and ability. Participants scored average on AI perceptions (3.35 ± 0.45 out of 5), with concerns regarding AI risks and disadvantages. They expressed a high need for knowledge and skills related to AI use in healthcare (84%), AI for health-related research (81.9%), and AI in radiology and imaging procedures (79.8%). Student readiness had a significant correlation with AI perceptions and perceived level of AI knowledge. This is the first study in Qatar exploring dental students' AI readiness, perceptions, and educational needs regarding AI applications in education and healthcare. The perceived AI knowledge gaps could inform future curricular AI integration. Advancing AI skills and deepening AI comprehension can empower future dental professionals through anticipated advances in the AI-driven healthcare landscape.

Digital impression perception among dental students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

The use of digital dentistry is rapidly increasing in prosthodontics. However, most dental students are not familiar with applying digital technologies in dental clinics. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the perception of dental students at different educational years towards digital impressions in comparison to conventional impressions. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on various educational years of dental students in the College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, between February and April 2023. The students had performed at least one intraoral scan (Trios 3shape) and another conventional polyether impression for phantom casts/patients. The questionnaire assessed students' perceptions of digital impressions using a 5-point scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare students' perceptions of digital impressions according to gender and educational year, respectively. The study included 122 students. About 55% were females with a mean (SD) age = 22.51 (3.36). Most students thought that digital impressions are faster and more user-friendly compared to conventional impressions. Significantly more female students thought that the handpiece was too big for intraoral use (p = 0.04) and that the process of the software was time-consuming and complicated. In general, higher educational year students were more satisfied with the digital impressions than lower educational year students. Digital impressions were perceived by most students as being faster and easier than conventional ones. However, male students and those with higher educational years showed better perception of digital impression.

A multi-faceted construct to guide geriatric dental education: Findings from a scoping review with consultation.

Older adults report unmet oral health care needs and barriers in access to care, due in part to provider attitudes and discomfort towards treating older patients. Our study asked: What is known from the literature about the use of undergraduate dentistry programmes to influence dental students' attitudes, perceptions and comfort towards treating geriatric patients? And how can interdisciplinary care facilitate the ability of dentists to work with geriatric patients? A scoping review and stakeholder consultation followed established methodological guidelines. Four databases and two grey literature sources were searched. Two researchers independently selected articles using predefined inclusion criteria. Pertinent information was inputted into an iteratively developed extraction table. NVivo 12 was used to organise the extracted data into themes. Key findings were confirmed through stakeholder consultation. Sixty-eight articles were included in the scoping review. Five key themes emerged: (1) Curricular targets; (2) Intervention components; (3) Dentist and patient factors; (4) The role of interdisciplinary care; and (5) Post-graduation insights on knowledge-seeking patterns. Stakeholder consultations involved 19 participants from Southwestern Ontario and generally confirmed our findings. Inconsistent reporting of multiple intervention dimensions constrains our ability to strengthen this knowledge. Future interventions and their reporting could be improved by adopting "willingness to treat" as an overarching, multi-faceted concept which encompasses knowledge on ageing, attitudes towards older patients, perceived competence and empathy. Stakeholder interviews complemented these findings.

Assessing Biological Risks: Knowledge, approach, and Perceptions of Dental Students Towards Ionizing Radiation in Dentistry.

Assessing Biological Risks: Knowledge, approach, and Perceptions of Dental Students Towards Ionizing Radiation in Dentistry.

Survey of dental students’ perception of ubiquitous-based test (UBT)

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of dental students in a dental school where the ubiquitous-based test (UBT) system has been implemented for several years. The research explored differences in perceptions based on respondents' characteristics and identified possibilities for improving the UBT system.This study surveyed fourth-year dental students who had taken the UBT exams for two years. A questionnaire covered respondent characteristics, UBT system perceptions, convenience, reliability, and comparison of UBT and paper-based test (PBT). The responses were measured on a 5-point Likert scale for all items except for some respondent characteristics. Analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and Spearman's correlation at a significance-level of p&lt;0.05.A total of 157 responses were analyzed, including 86 respondents in 2021 and 71 in 2022. The respondents' general characteristics were similar across both years. Students exhibited positive perceptions towards the introduction of the UBT system and its convenience. However, their preference for UBT over PBT was less pronounced. Female students had higher tablet ownership rates than males. Gender-based and tablet ownership-based differences were observed in several items, such as tablet usage frequency and interest in new technologies. The strong correlations were identified between PBT and UBT assessment results.With user-centered interface enhancements and the incorporation of multimedia items, the UBT system will be effectively utilized in dental education as a valuable tool for both instruction and assessment.

Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess Dental Students' Perception of the Utilization of a Case Difficulty Assessment Form during Various Stages of Root Canal Therapy.

Several endodontic difficulty assessment forms are available to help dental students and general dentists estimate the difficulty of the case before initiating the endodontic treatment. This study aimed to assess if the American Association of Endodontics (AAE) case difficulty assessment form affects the dental student's perception of the difficulty encountered while performing root canal treatment (RCT). This was a cross-sectional online survey. After obtaining IRB approval, an electronic questionnaire was sent to dental students enrolled in the 4th and 5th years at King Saud University (KSU) and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was divided into informed consent, demographic data, the use of the AAE case assessment form, RCT steps, diagnosis, local anesthesia administration, tooth isolation, and endodontic procedure. A total of 195 dental students participated in the study. There were 101 (52%) females, and 139 (71%) were from KSAU-HS. A positive association was found between students who used the AAE assessment form and who did not with their ability to reach the correct diagnosis (p=0.005), tooth isolation (p=0.03), and endodontic procedure difficulty score (p=0.018). The use of the AAE form by dental students enabled them to differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated cases, thus lowering the difficulty encountered during RCT.

Peer evaluation as an alternative assessment method for case presentations: A cross-sectional study of dental students' perception.

Peer assessment in dental and medical education is a key tool for evaluating attitudes and communication skills, serving as an effective formative learning method. It not only boosts academic performance and encourages lifelong learning and reflective practice but also fosters collaboration, effective communication, and constructive feedback among peers. This study aimed to assess dental students' satisfaction and perceptions regarding implementing peer assessment in case presentations, including contribution to their learning. This cross-sectional study involved third (n=26), fourth (n=54), and sixth (n=71) dental students divided into five groups. Each student received peer assessments (n=8) from the students of the other groups regarding their clinical presentation. At the end of the process, students were invited to complete an anonymous 9-item questionnaire to assess student perceptions of the peer-assessment process. Data were analyzed to evaluate students' perception and satisfaction with the peer assessment task. The bivariate analysis explored associations among questionnaire items. A total of 151 students participated in the current study. Results showed a high level of agreement for most of the students regarding their preparedness for peer and self-assessment. More than 75% of the students at all academic levels found it challenging to evaluate their peers. Student satisfaction scores increased with the level of education, (4.076, 4.214, and 4.246 out of five, respectively) with moderate correlations between peer evaluation characteristics. Peer assessment appears to enhance learning and professional development in dental students. Students' satisfaction with peer assessment grows with education level, reflecting its role in fostering critical evaluation skills and feedback.

Rational Antibiotic Prescribing Is Underpinned by Dental Ethics Principles: Survey on Postgraduate and Undergraduate Dental Students' Perceptions.

Dentists bear the burden of responsibility for antimicrobial resistance since antibiotics are the drugs most prescribed by dentists. Often, "inappropriate" antibiotic use is considered as a "gray area" by dentists mainly due to ethical challenges associated with the clinical judgement depending on patients and/or prescribers. The study aimed to assess whether and in what way dental ethical principles underpin rational antibiotic use by investigating perceptions of postgraduate and undergraduate dental students without formal knowledge of dental ethics. A cross-sectional anonymous survey comprised nine close-ended questions and was conducted among dental students (n = 125). The investigated practice of appropriate antibiotic prescribing in the survey relied on the respect of three basic principles of ethics: autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence. Results show that dental students exhibit a lack of dental ethics knowledge that results in an inappropriate antibiotic-prescribing practice: prescribing an antibiotic when it is not necessary, without examination, or for indications that are not within the competence of the dentist. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between under- and postgraduates. Within the pharmacology course, a review of the clinical scenarios which cover both ethical and clinical complexities regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics should be introduced as an educational approach.

Stakeholder perceptions of gerodontology education for final year Australian dental school curricula.

The study explored the perceptions of final-year Australian dental students, directors of nursing, and consumer representatives toward geriatric education provided at Australian undergraduate dental schools. Findings will strengthen and inform future curricula design for dental schools. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted through videoconferencing and in-person interviews, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis found the major themes to include relationships, curriculum variation, resources, and in-service learning experiences. The participants found gaps in the current delivery of undergraduate dental education. Solutions included greater resourcing through funding and time allocated to supervisors and a curriculum dedicated to gerodontology. Healthcare professional curriculum design must consider the needs of the learners and stakeholders involved in the health of older people. The focus group participants found multiple barriers and gaps to achieving what is required to adequately prepare dental graduates for an older, frail, and care-dependent population. For curricula to be successful, policymakers and education providers must find solutions to ensure that the oral health needs of older Australians are addressed and managed appropriately.

TRADITIONAL VERSUS ONLINE TEACHING - A COMPARATIVE STUDY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE BDS STUDENTS

Objectives: This study was conducted with a purpose to determine the perception of dental students toward traditional and online teaching methods. Methods: A validated and structured questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and the study link of the questionnaire was sent through WhatsApp to all the participants. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part included the demographic information of the students. The second part constituted a pre-validated 16-item questionnaire on the perception of students on traditional and online teaching. The variables, such as interest, convenience, time, motivation, tiredness, distractions, satisfaction, retention, and understanding, were included. A 5-point Likert scale was used for collecting the responses. Descriptive statistics was used for the final analysis and were represented as percentages. Results: Overall response rate was 98.2%. Female preponderance was more compared to male constituting 66%. Mobile (92.9%) was the gadget of preference followed by laptop (6.5%). Majority of students showed a negative inclination toward online teaching. They felt online teaching was less interesting, less motivating, with more distraction, low satisfaction, and lacked interaction. Meanwhile, they agreed that online teaching was more comfortable, cost-effective, and less time-consuming. Most of the students (63.1%) opted for a mixed method of teaching. Conclusion: Both traditional and online methods have advantages and disadvantages at some levels. Mixed approach can be tried for better results.

Clinical Dental Student Perception of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a Specialty at Qassim University.

The objective of the current research was to assess and gain insight into the perceptions held by dental students enrolled in the clinical program at Qassim University regarding the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the dental clinics of Qassim University, following approval from the Dental Research Center of the university. The study targeted a population consisting of 80 dental interns and undergraduate students (BDS) enrolled at Qassim University. From each academic year (third year to interns), a random selection of 20 students was made, ensuring representation from both male and female sections. Upon analyzing the data regarding the intern and class year of dental students, it was found that there were no statistically significant associations with regard to question 3: "What do you perceive as the most commonly performed procedure by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in practice?" (P = 0.759a). Among intern and dental students, a significant majority identified extraction of the third molars as the most frequent procedure carried out. The lowest percentage (70.4%) was reported among the intern classes, whereas the highest percentage (91.7%) was reported among the fourth-year students. The perceptions of dental students toward OMFS undergo changes during their undergraduate training. By gaining a deeper understanding of these perceptions, the academic faculty specialized in OMFS can enhance their ability to educate students and, in turn, strengthen the overall specialty.

IJCM_102A: Perception of Medical, Dental and Allied Health Science (AHS) Students towards Inter-professional Learning and Inter-professionalism in Mangalore

Background: Interprofessional Education (IPE) has gained recognition in health professions education due to evolving healthcare roles and systems, emphasizing collaboration for quality care. Attitudinal barriers hinder its implementation, necessitating a deeper understanding of student perspectives. This study explores the attitudes of medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and allied health science (AHS) students towards interprofessional learning (IPL) in a cross-sectional study at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal University, Mangalore. Methodology: A total of 205 students participated, comprising 150 MBBS, 40 BDS, and 15 AHS students. Data was collected through a modified semi-structured questionnaire, assessing attitudes towards IPL using Likert scales. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS ver. 20.0, with results expressed in medians and significance determined by the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Overall, students demonstrated positive attitudes towards IPL, with significant agreement that it enhances communication skills, facilitates professional relationships, and improves clinical problem-solving. Both MBBS and non-medical students expressed willingness to learn with peers from diverse healthcare disciplines, indicating a shared understanding of the importance of collaborative practice. Conclusion: The study highlights favourable attitudes among medical, dental, and allied health science students towards interprofessional learning, suggesting a readiness for collaboration in healthcare practice. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating interprofessional education opportunities within healthcare curricula to foster teamwork and enhance patient care outcomes.

Online education during the pandemic scenario “a boon or bane” – dental academicians and students perspective – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected educational institutions worldwide. The established face-to-face education has been converted to online education; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate and compare the perception of dental students and academicians on online education and the challenges they face due to online education. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among dental students and academicians of eight dental colleges in the state of Telangana. A self-designed and validated 38-item questionnaire was distributed among dental students and academicians, and the collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics. A Chi-square test was applied to check the association between the perception of dental students and academicians. Results: Among 635 dental students, 79.7% believed that online education was the safest way during the pandemic, and 80.8% believed that online education focused on developing theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills. Among 136 dental academicians, 91.8% believed that online education negatively impacted student participation and productivity. There is a significant difference in the perceptions between dental students and academicians toward online education. Conclusion: Online education is a boon in many fields during the pandemic, but this mode alone will not serve the purpose of dental education.

Awareness and Perception of Dental Undergraduates in Belagavi District Towards the Newly Proposed National Exit Test for India.

The National Dental Commission Bill of 2023 introduced the National Exit Test (NExT) as a common final examination for all dental graduates in India, granting them the license to practice. This study evaluated dental undergraduates' awareness and perceptions of the newly proposed NExT. A self-administered questionnaire in English comprising 23 close-ended questions was used to assess the awareness and perception of the students. A pilot study was conducted to determine the sample size, and 510 students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The survey was administered to students ranging from 1st to 4th-year undergraduates and interns from two dental colleges in the Belagavi District, India. The questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.86) and a content validity ratio 0.82. Interns had the highest mean awareness (39.56 ± 8.99) and perception (40.87 ± 5.56) scores, whereas first-year students had the lowest, with statistically significant differences among the groups (p ≤ 0.001). Although 81% of students were aware of NExT in India, only 17.3% found it student-friendly. A positive correlation was seen between the perception and awareness scores (r = + 0.242; p ≤ 0.001). The dependence of awareness and perception scores on predictors such as age, gender, and year of study were 16.7% and 15.3%, respectively. Interns displayed a positive perception and higher awareness of NExT, whereas first and second-year dental students exhibited lower awareness and apprehensive perceptions. The introduction of NExT promises to enhance the overall quality of dental education on a national scale by providing high-quality care to patients.

Students' perceptions towards the ethical considerations of using artificial intelligence algorithms in clinical decision-making.

Aim The present study aimed to explore the perceptions of dental students regarding the ethical considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in clinical decision-making.Methods All the undergraduate clinical-year dental students were invited to take part in the study. A validated online questionnaire which consisted of 21 closed-ended questions (five-point Likert scales) was distributed to the students to evaluate their perceptions on the topic. Mean perception scores of the students from different years were analysed using a one-way ANOVA test, while independent t-tests were used to compare the scores between sexes.Results In total, 165 students participated in the present study. The mean age of the respondents was 23.3 (± 1.38) years and the majority were female, Chinese students. Respondents showed positive perceptions throughout all three domains. Uniform and comparable perceptions were seen across various academic years and sexes, with female respondents expressing stronger agreement regarding patient consent and privacy prioritisation.Conclusion Undergraduate clinical dental students generally showed positive perceptions regarding the ethical considerations associated with the integration of AI algorithms in clinical decision-making. It is essential to address these ethical considerations to ensure that AI benefits patient outcomes while upholding fundamental ethical principles and patient-centred care.