Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research (SJODR)
Volume-4 | Issue-07 | 468-471
Original Research Article
Students’ Perception about Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Yousef Saleh Alanezi, Dr. Abdullah Abdulrahman Alshehri, Dr. Nour Faleh Almotairi, Dr. Mohmmed Mureabid Alazemi, Dr. Sunil Babu Kotha
Published : July 27, 2019
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate dental undergraduates’ studying in Riyadh colleges of Dentistry
and Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to evaluate their self-reported experience and perceived clinical confidence in
pediatric dentistry. Methodology: 236 students from Riyadh colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
responded to a structured questionnaire to evaluate their experience and their confidence for various treatment procedures
in pediatric dentistry during their course. Results: The results of this study suggest that gender differences existed in the
confidence levels in various procedures in pediatric dentistry. Of all the procedures in pediatric dentistry, Preventive
procedures (pit and fissure sealants, PRR and topical fluoride application) is ranked the first in the confidence and least is
the selection of patient for general anesthesia and conscious sedation. Conclusion: Undergraduate students have
concluded that they have adequate training in both theory and clinics regarding pediatric dentistry. Students are exposed
to various clinical procedures and are confident in most of the pediatric clinical procedures. Students universally reported
a lack of confidence in patient selection for conscious sedation and general anesthesia and this is the one area that the
pediatric dentistry department will now be targeting for enhanced student learning.