Knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding management of caries lesions

Abstract

Objectives Understanding of lifelong control of disease processes associated with caries and its management is an essential part of dental education. This study evaluated the dental students’ knowledge of caries diagnosis and management using the International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS). Methods A survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students at two dental schools, attending the sixth (centre 1) and seventh semester (centre 2), respectively. Medical histories, clinical images and radiographs of 12 patients were compiled as anonymous cases. For each case, a specific lesion was to be assessed. In addition, the students should determine the patient’s caries risk and select a treatment option. An expert report (consensus decision) was used as the reference standard. For statistical analysis, kappa statistics and binomial tests were used. Results A total of 46 students participated in this study. The percentage of agreement of responses to the reference was: centre 1: 40.7–51.3%, centre 2: 57.9–67.9%. The corresponding Kappa values were: centre 1: 0.073–0.175, centre 2: 0.315–0.432. Overall, students tended to underestimate the codes compared to the reference standard (p < 0.001). Conclusion Introducing systematic content about caries diagnosis and management such as ICDAS and ICCMS in the learning objectives of undergraduate dental students can be proposed. However, in order to improve diagnosis and enable a more reliable choice of treatment options, attention should also be given to the way they are didactically taught.

To Evaluate the Level of Knowledge and Proficiency of Dental Practitioners in Diagnosing and Treating Dental Caries

“…However, it did reveal a significant association between the participants' education level and both their knowledge and practices (P=0.004 and 0.001 respectively). Similar results were found in the study of Anahita et al which indicated that seventh-semester students demonstrated better comprehension in evaluating cavity stages, patient risks, and treatment options, likely due to their increased clinical exposure compared to sixth-semester participants at Center 1, who hadn't yet engaged with patients [18].…”

“…In the study of Anahita et al, students in the seventh semester showed better results in the assessment of caries stages, patient risk, and caries management options. These students had typically more clinical experience than the participants in Center 1 who attended the sixth semester and had not worked with patients yet [18]. In the current study the clinical experience didn't exhibit a significant effect on knowledge and practice of participants, however, the education level of participants showed a significant relationship both with knowledgeand practice of participants (P=004 and 0.001 respectively).…”