[Attitude of graduate dental students in The Netherlands towards rubber dam use]

The use of rubber dam isolation during restorative procedures is often used. This survey study analyzed several aspects of the use of rubber dam isolation of fifth and sixth year's dental students at three Dutch universities using the COM-B model. This model explains behavior (B) from 3 factors: capacity (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M). In the period of February-August 2022, a total of 81 students completed the survey (Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, ACTA, n = 25; Radboud University, RU, n=28; Center for Dentistry and Oral Hygiene, CTM, n = 28). There were significant differences on all 3 factors between universities. RU students felt more confident than CTM students in applying the rubber dam in the anterior zone. At RU, teachers were significantly less likely to encourage the use of rubber dams. CTM students were more likely to assess the use of rubber dams as more important in the longevity of direct restorations (motivation). Students struggled the most with rubber dam use in subgingival cases and would like that their teachers were more adept in manipulation of soft tissues. Within the Netherlands, the education in rubber dam use should focus more on practical skills in these subgingival cases, including soft tissue handling.