Comparison of the knowledge and attitudes of final year students and general dentists regarding the use of anesthesia in pediatric dentistry

Purpose

Many children do not cooperate for their dental work. Therefore, there would be a delay in dental treatments and cause severe pain and even loss of some teeth. The present study was conducted to compare the knowledge and attitudes of final year students and that of general dentists toward the use of anesthesia in pediatric dentistry.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 77 individuals in 2 groups (38 final year dental students and 39 general dentists) in Ahvaz. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 3 sections of demographic data, questions related to knowledge of general anesthesia (including 20 indicators with yes or no answers), and those related to attitude (including 20 items with completely agree, agree, disagree, and completely disagree answers). Comparing the knowledge and attitudes of the studied groups regarding the use of anesthesia and providing the necessary solutions for the optimal and correct use presented. SPSS was used to analyze the obtained data.

Results

The present study showed that students and dentists had intermediate knowledge and attitude about the use of general anesthesia in pediatric dentistry, its complications, and its indications. However, they expressed concerns about the complications of general anesthesia or the lack of sufficient information provided by the dental education system to students.

Conclusion

It is necessary to review the educational curriculum to increase students' information and equip dental schools, anesthesia facilities, and provide courses for general dentists.