Perception of dental anatomy among dental students, dental practitioners, and dental academicians: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

The subject of dental anatomy is basically very important both from academic and practical points of view in dentistry. The present study was designed to determine the extent of variations in the perception of dental anatomy among dental students, dental practitioners, and dental academicians. The questionnaire consisted of 15 closed-ended questions related to dental anatomy. There were 11 dichotomous questions with “yes” and “no” options and four multiple-choice questions. The questions were validated by experts and the questionnaire was submitted in Google form to the targeted respondent’s groups through WhatsApp and Emails. The responses received over 2 months were considered for statistical analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test was performed to test the difference in the responses between the groups of respondents. The results of the study revealed that nearly 62–92% of the respondents gave an affirmative response to the dichotomous questions (Q. No. 1–11). The digital Vernier caliper was the most preferred instrument to measure the tooth dimensions and the FDI system was the most preferred nomenclature system among the respondents (66.7%) followed by the Palmer-Zsigmondy system (18.2%). Almost 50% of the respondents opted for conservative dentistry and endodontics as the clinical specialty in dentistry, where the knowledge of dental anatomy has its greatest application. There was no significant difference in the opinion about dental anatomy between the undergraduate dental students and the professionals except for their opinion regarding the course curriculum.