Awareness on D-dimer assay among dental students

Abstract

D-dimer molecules are formed by the degradation of cross-linked fibrin during the process of fibrinolysis. The formation of D-dimer requires the activity of activated factor XIII (factor XIIIa), plasmin, and thrombin. To assess the awareness about D-dimer assay among dental students. A cross-sectional study was done among 100 dental practitioners through an online survey. The survey consisted of 10 semiclosed prevalidated and reliable questionnaires based on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the dentists on D-dimer assay. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to report the responses of the participants. Most participants did not know what a D-dimer assay is (55%). Forty-six percent of participants responded that the D-dimer assay is used to rule out serious blood clots. Fifty-four percent of the participants responded that fibrin D-dimers are formed when fibrin strands are formed. The current study shows that the knowledge about D-dimer assay is more in CRRI than in participants of junior year of study. Thus, more rigorous educational programs should be initiated to further enrich the knowledge among dental students.