Isolation with rubber dam: Knowledge, training and attitudes of final year dental students

Abstract

Background/Aim. Good undergraduate education is necessary to overcome the reluctance of dentists to use the rubber dam. The aim was to assess dental students' knowledge, training skills, attitudes, and opinions concerning the use of the rubber dam in order to isolate an operation field. Methods. A 34-item original questionnaire was distributed to 130 final year students. The questions were divided into four segments: general information; rubber dam-related knowledge and training skills; opinions and attitudes regarding the use of rubber dam; opinions on the intended future use of rubber dam. Results. All students confirmed that they had theoretical lessons about rubber dam and that the advantages of the rubber dam were pointed out. During practical courses, 34% of students observed rubber dam placement and 10% of them placed the rubber dam on their own or with assistance. Most of the students (88%) did not feel capable of using the rubber dam on their own. Less than half of the students (38%) believed that adequate isolation of the operating field is possible without the rubber dam. Sixty-four percent of students considered that rubber dam was not uncomfortable for the patients. More than half of the students were willing to use the rubber dam in their future practice. Almost all of them planned to gain additional postgraduate training. Conclusion. Students have solid theoretical knowledge about the rubber dam, they are aware of its importance and have a positive attitude towards the rubber dam use. However, their practical training and skills are poor and insufficient for independent rubber dam use.