Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Dental Stem Cell: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental stem cells (DSCs) are a readily accessible and cost-effective source of stem cells with significant therapeutic potential.
• DSCs possess self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capabilities, enabling their use in treating defects from disease, injury, or surgery.
• Challenges remain in DSC isolation, culturing, implantation, and ethical considerations, despite their potential in orofacial structure regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perceptions and awareness of stem cell research among professional groups in Tamil Nadu.
• To assess the knowledge and attitudes specifically concerning dental stem cells (DSCs).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 participants using a self-administered questionnaire.
• Data collected included demographics, knowledge about stem cells, and attitude statements.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0.

Main Results:

• The study gathered data on demographics, knowledge of stem cells, and attitudes towards stem cell research.
• Analysis focused on understanding the perceptions of professional groups in Tamil Nadu regarding stem cell research and DSCs.

Conclusions:

• Understanding professional perceptions is crucial for advancing stem cell research and therapeutic applications.
• Further research and education are needed to address knowledge gaps and ethical concerns surrounding DSCs.