Assessing dental students' awareness of anaphylactic shock caused by local anesthetic injection: a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study.

Abstract

Objective: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction with rapid onset and multi-organ involvement, poses a serious risk in dental emergencies, particularly after local anesthetic injections. Other potential triggers include antibiotics, chlorhexidine, iodoform, and latex. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for healthcare professionals, yet some dental students lack the necessary knowledge to handle such emergencies effectively. This study aims to assess the awareness of final-year dental students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences regarding anaphylactic shock induced by local anesthetic injections.

Results: A total of 206 students (115 females, 91 males), aged 23-27 years, participated. The most common age was 24 (22.8%). Average knowledge scores were 4.04 for anaphylaxis reactions, 2.17 for epinephrine prescription, and 1.50 for symptoms and signs. Female students scored slightly higher on anaphylaxis awareness than males (4.11 vs. 3.95, P = 0.347). Students aged 23 and 27 demonstrated greater knowledge (4.45 and 4.24, P = 0.068). No significant differences were found based on gender, age, or year of entry. Few students had encountered or treated anaphylaxis cases, highlighting the need for improved education on epinephrine use and symptom recognition.