Dental Students' Readiness to Use Silver Diamine Fluoride in Older Adults: Knowledge, Perceptions, and Challenges

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective noninvasive treatment for arresting dental caries, yet its use in older adults is often overlooked in dental curricula. This study explores the knowledge and perceptions of final-year Chilean dental students regarding SDF use in older adults.

An electronic survey was conducted among 276 final-year dental students from 20 Chilean dental schools. Data were collected on SDF exposure, knowledge of its properties and indications, and perceptions of its usefulness and appropriateness.

Most students (90.9%) had never used SDF, and 70.7% were unaware of clinical guidelines for its use in older adults. While 62.3% recognized its antimicrobial properties, 78.3% did not know that SDF arrests caries. Despite limited exposure, 63.8% expressed willingness to use SDF in practice, particularly for older adults with cognitive or physical impairments. Regression analysis found no significant predictors of students' perceptions or willingness to use SDF.

While Chilean dental students have limited clinical experience with SDF, they recognize its potential for managing caries lesions in older adults. Integrating SDF training into curricula could enhance future practitioners' readiness to adopt this evidence-based approach.