Knowledge of senior dental students regarding dental management of cardiovascular patients: a cross-sectional study in Yazd, Iran

Mohammadreza  Mahdavifar; Hadi  Salimi; Zahra Roustaeizadeh  Shouroki; Parisa  Peigan; Farnoosh  Ghomi

doi:10.18502/cbj.v5i2.21137

Mohammadreza Mahdavifar Department of Prosthodontics, Yazd Dental School, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Hadi Salimi Department of Prosthodontics, Yazd Dental School, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Zahra Roustaeizadeh Shouroki Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Parisa Peigan Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Farnoosh Ghomi Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cbj.v5i2.21137

Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases; Dental Students; Knowledge; Dental Care; Patient Management

Abstract

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with these conditions require special considerations during dental treatment to prevent adverse events. Therefore, the knowledge of dental practitioners is essential for the safe and effective management of such patients.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran. A total of 65 final-year dental students were surveyed using a validated questionnaire consisting of demographic questions and 18 items assessing their level of awareness. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, employing both descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including the t-test and Pearson correlation.

Results: A total of 65 students participated (response rate: 100%). The mean awareness score was 13.04 ± 3.42 out of 20, with 78.5% of students demonstrating acceptable knowledge levels. Female students scored higher than males, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.057). Term 12 students scored significantly higher than Term 11 students (p < 0.001). A significant inverse correlation was found between age and awareness (r = –0.327, p = 0.008).

Conclusions: Although the overall level of awareness was acceptable, certain demographic variables, such as age and academic term, were found to influence knowledge levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted training in cardiology-related dental care within the dental curriculum.