Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dental Students on Pulp Sensitivity Tests and Diagnostic Tools

To investigate the knowledge of Brazilian dental students about pulp sensitivity tests (PSTs), their attitudes concerning their aptitude for performing different diagnostic tools (DTs), and how frequently these DTs are practiced in clinical scenarios involving asymptomatic teeth.

In 2024, an online questionnaire with 23 questions was developed and administered, divided into four sections: (1) sample characterization, as well as the frequency of endodontic emergency care and the participant's self-assessment of their knowledge about PSTs; (2) knowledge of PSTs (cold, heat, and electric)-K-PST; (3) Attitudes; (4) Practices. The mean number of correct answers for K-PST was used to assess the knowledge level. Differences in the K-PST mean scores between demographic and academic variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05).

Among the 628 students, 51.3% considered themselves to have good knowledge of PSTs. However, the mean number of correct answers in K-PST was 3.43 ± 1.72. The DTs with which students felt most confident were radiography, mobility testing, and cold pulp test, respectively. No significant differences in PST knowledge were found with respect to the variables analyzed. In the clinical scenarios presented, radiographs and the collection of pain history were the most frequently reported practices, whereas PSTs were less commonly utilized.

Although students demonstrated self-confidence regarding their PST knowledge, the mean number of correct answers indicates a low level of knowledge. Moreover, the use of these tests does not appear to be a common practice among students.