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Knowledge about local anesthetics in odontology students
Rodrigo Guzmán Alvarez1, Alfonso Efraín Campos Sepúlveda, Adrian Alejandro Martínez González
1School of Odontology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National University of Mexico, Mexico City. cdrga@yahoo.com.mx
Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Dental students demonstrated poor knowledge of local anesthetics, with many failing to answer basic questions on dosage and toxicity. This highlights a critical need for improved pharmacology education in dental schools.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Pharmacology knowledge is crucial in dental practice due to potential drug toxicity.
- Understanding local anesthetics is essential for safe and effective dental procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge of third and fourth-year dental students regarding commonly used local anesthetics in surgical clinics.
- To identify deficiencies in student understanding of anesthetic dosages, toxic effects, and side effects.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 244 third and fourth-year dental students.
- A questionnaire evaluated knowledge on local anesthetics, including appropriate doses, toxic effects, and side effects.
- The questionnaire is currently undergoing validation for assessing knowledge of drugs used in odontology.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of students (over 50%) failed the knowledge assessment, scoring less than six out of eleven items correctly.
- Results indicated an unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding local anesthetics among the surveyed dental students.
Conclusions:
- The study identified significant cognitive deficiencies in dental students' practical knowledge of local anesthetics.
- Assessing practical knowledge is vital for institutions to implement targeted learning solutions and improve dental education.
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