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Knowledge and Perceptions of Preformed Metal Crowns and Pulpotomies in Primary Molars Amongst Dental Students in
Anna Ziouti1, Clarissa C Bonifacio1, David J Manton1,2
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Introduction:
Preformed metal crowns (PMCs) and pulpotomies are established treatments for carious lesions in primary molars. Despite their effectiveness, variability in knowledge and clinical experience amongst dental students has been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch dental students at the Academic Centre for Dentistry in the dental school of Amsterdam (ACTA). Regarding PMCs and pulpotomies in primary molars.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted amongst second-to-final year dental students at Academic Centre for Dentistry in the dental school of Amsterdam (ACTA). The 23-item questionnaire addressed knowledge, perceived curriculum coverage, and clinical/preclinical experience. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation tests were used (α = 0.05).
Results:
Out of 120 invited students, 98 (81.6%) responded. While 75.5% of students considered the curriculum adequate for teaching PMCs, 84.7% felt that pulpotomies were insufficiently addressed. All students were familiar with the Hall Technique, and 50% had placed a PMC preclinically. Fewer students had clinical experience: 19.4% had placed a PMC and 9.2% had performed a pulpotomy. A positive correlation was found between preclinical and clinical PMC placement (Spearman's rho = 0.33, p = 0.0007).
Discussion:
Whilst students received appropriate training regarding the use of PMCs, both in theory and practice, exposure to pulpotomy procedures remains limited.
Conclusions:
Most dental students in Amsterdam demonstrated appropriate knowledge, preclinical experience and understanding of indications for PMCs compared to performing a pulpotomy. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on both the theoretical and practical aspects of pulpotomy.
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