Journal of Isfahan Dental School

Dental Students' Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude Towards Evidence-Based Dentistry

Document Type : مقاله‌های پژوهشی

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Dental Sciences Research Center, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

3 Dental Student, School of Dentistry, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

4 Professor, Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Assistant Professor, Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is an approach to preserve the oral health through proper integration of scientific evidence and oral and medical conditions of the patient, clinical skills of the dentist, and the priorities of the patient. This research was conducted to study the awareness, self-assessed knowledge, and attitude towards EBD among dental students of the International Branch of Gilan University of Medical Sciences. 
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, EBD questionnaires were distributed among 95 dental students. The questions included tree parts of awareness, self-assessed knowledge and attitude towards EBD. After collecting the questionnaires, data were analyzed with the statistical software. 
Results: A total of 82 students completed the questionnaires (a response rate of 86%). In the section on awareness of EBD, 62.2% of the subjects showed intermediate level, 26.8% had poor level and only 11% exhibited good level of awareness. In the section on knowledge about EBD, half of the students had poor knowledge, 41.5% showed average level, and only 7.3% exhibited good level of knowledge. In assessing the attitudes, 56.1% showed average, 42.7% exhibited good, and only 1.2% had poor attitude towards EBD. 
Conclusion: Despite good attitude and average level of awareness towards EBD, level of knowledge and ability of practical use is poor and a practical educational plan is needed.
Key words: Attitude, Awareness, Evidence-based dentistry, Knowledge. 

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Journal of Isfahan Dental School
Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2018
Pages 169-176