Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Reported Practice Regarding Fissure  Sealants Among Senior Dental Students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Zeinab  Razavian; Simin Zahra  Mohebbi; Arian  Zarafshar; Parmida Asl  Fallah; Samaneh  Razeghi

doi:10.18502/jcr.v13i1.21481

Zeinab Razavian School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Simin Zahra Mohebbi Research Center for Caries Prevention, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Arian Zarafshar School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Parmida Asl Fallah School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Samaneh Razeghi Research Center for Caries Prevention, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jcr.v13i1.21481

Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Dental caries; Pit and fissure sealants; Dental students. Introduction

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is a prevalent oral disease, and fissure sealants are effective preventive measures. Dental students play a crucial role in influencing public acceptance of this treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice regarding fissure sealants among senior dental students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023. A census sampling method was employed to recruit all eligible senior dental students (N = 163). The participants included fifth- and sixth-year dental students from both campuses of the School of Dentistry, TUMS. Data were collected using a validated, anonymous questionnaire comprising four sections: demographics, knowledge (11 questions), attitude (8 questions), and self-reported practice (14 questions). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 via the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: Out of 163 distributed questionnaires, 117 were completed (response rate: 72%). The participants included 61 (52.1%) males and 56 (47.9%) females. The mean scores were 8.4±1.7 (out of 11) for knowledge, 28.8±3.5 (out of 40) for attitude, and 9.9±1.7 (out of 14) for self-reported practice. Male students showed significantly higher knowledge scores compared to females (P = 0.02). Fifth-year students also scored significantly higher in knowledge than sixth-year students (P = 0.04). A significant positive correlation was found between self-reported practice and both knowledge (P = 0.02) and attitude (P = 0.003).

Conclusion: Senior dental students demonstrated an acceptable level of theoretical knowledge regarding fissure sealants. However, their attitude and self-reported practice fell short of expected standards, highlighting the need for educational reinforcement and practical training in the dental curriculum.