Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Dental Students regarding rubber dam use at Qassim University

Abstract

Background: Improving our clinical skill and training through the scientific evidence is essential so that one can provide the highest quality of care to the patients. In both, endodontic and restorative procedures, proper isolation is very essential prerequisite for its long term success. Rubber dam is considered as a gold standard for isolation in dentistry hence its preclinical training to dental students is of uttermost importance. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental students in regard to placement and usage of rubber dam Methodology: This is a questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted on the third, fourth and fifth year undergraduate dental students at Qassim University College of Dentistry. The questions were based on knowledge and attitude of participants regarding the practicality of rubber dam use. Data was organized and analyzed by utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Overall response rate was 59.5%. Around 97.7% of the students agreed upon the importance of using rubber dam. 92% gave positive response regarding use of rubber dam in future restorative and operative cases while 72.7% were willing to gain knowledge about rubber dam through workshops and seminars. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the need for educational methods to be formulated to improve the attitude of dental students towards the used of rubber dam during undergraduate training and after graduation KEYWORDS: Attitude, Knowledge, Dental Students, Rubber dam