Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is the most recent infectious disease that is spreading rapidly throughout the world. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of dentists on COVID-19. This survey study, consisting of 37 questions, was sent to dentists via an online link in the first two weeks of April 2020. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the knowledge level of dentists on COVID-19 during the pandemic period. The knowledge level of dentists was assessed with a 24-point scoring, consisting of correct answers. A Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data (p < 0.05). A total of 267 dentists participated in this study, of which 51.7% were aged under 30 years, and 67% were women. The participants' knowledge level means score was 19.03 ± 3.15. According to these results, 231 were determined (86.5%) as high knowledgeable. Positive associations between increased knowledge level and factors such as being a woman, working in a university hospital, and being informed outside the institution were determined. The knowledge level of the dentists working in Istanbul about the COVID-19 pandemic is quite high.

Objective In recent years the social media offers a handy platform for patients who want to receive medical information. The aim of this study is to assess the content of YouTube as an information source on space maintainers and to evaluate the efficiency of videos by parents and patients. Methods and findings YouTube was searched for information using two keywords ‘space maintainer’ and ‘space maintainers in pediatric dentistry’. Two dentists reviewed the first 200 videos for each search term. After exclusions, 52 videos were included for analysis. Demographics of videos, including the type of source, date of upload, length, viewers’ interaction and viewing rate were evaluated. The overall usefulness of videos was scored according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guideline based on 9-point scales. The mean usefulness score of evaluated videos was 4,4 ± 1,5 (range 1–8). There was a significant correlation between usefulness and video length (p<0,05). But there was no significant correlation between usefulness and other demographics. Most videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (51.9%). Videos uploaded by individual users were less useful compared with videos uploaded by healthcare professionals or organizations. Most of the videos (88,5%) used representative images for visualizing. Conclusions YouTube videos about space maintainers are useful for parents only to understand and visualize their function. However, it does not provide sufficient information about adverse effects and types of them. Dentists should warn their patients that videos on the internet may contain incorrect and limited information.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the career choices of students in Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry in the 2014-2015 academic year. Methods: Data were collected from 468 dental students by using a 55-item questionnaire. Results: Mean age of students were 21.6 (range 17-25); 300(64.1%) of them were female and 168(35.9%) were male. Two hundred two (43.2%) students indicated that their first choice was dentistry. If they were to make a choice for a second time, 196(41.9%) of students would again prefer dentistry as their career. There was a significant difference between the year of study and the statement "I will prefer dentistry again" (p<0.05). In fact, 45(49.5%) of first-year students claimed that they would choose dentistry again, whereas 35(41.7%) of fifth-year students stated the opposite. As being passed to higher classes, the percentage of students who will prefer dentistry again decreased. One hundred forty one (30.1%) of all students reported wanting to change their career. It was stated as reasons for changing careers that being a dental student was stressful. Students were most influenced by their family (61.4%). Four hundred eight (87.2%) students were determined to choose dentistry because of its high income. 399 (85.2%) students stated that dentistry is a prestigious profession and this criterion was significant in their career choices. Conclusion:The majority of students who preferred Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry were girls, and there were many factors influence the career choices and future plans of the students, with the most important beings were the families, the high income level and the prestige of the profession.

Background:The number of child abuse cases is increasing worldwide; therefore, it is important to educate individuals having contact with children about it. This includes dentists who play a pivotal role in detecting and reporting child abuse. Aim: To identify and compare the final-year dental student's knowledge, attitudes, and practice in relation to child abuse. Design: A 38-item and four-part online questionnaire was distributed to students of 11 dental schools in 10 countries. SPSS and GraphPad Prism were used for data analysis. The levels of statistical significance were determined using a chi-square test. P ≤ .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 660 students completed the survey. Fifty-six percent of the students received formal training on child abuse, and 86% wanted additional training.The knowledge of child abuse was significantly higher in Australia, the United States, and Jordan compared with other countries. Internet (60.3%) was commonly used as an information source for child abuse. Conclusions:The study showed that dental students lack knowledge and experience in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Most respondents indicated a desire for additional training; therefore, dental schools should review what they are currently teaching and make changes as appropriate.

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