Pericoronitis among dental students: experience, awareness, and management practices

Pericoronitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with partially erupted third molars and frequently encountered in dental practice. Understanding dental students' experience and management approaches is important for improving education and clinical decision-making.

To assess the prevalence, clinical experience, and management practices related to pericoronitis among undergraduate dental students.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among clinical dental students. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test with significance set at p < 0.05.

A total of 259 students participated. Among them, 35.5% were sixth-year students, 32% in the fifth year, and 31.5% in the fourth year. History of pericoronitis was reported by a substantial proportion of students. A statistically significant association was found between history of pericoronitis and dental consultation (χ ² = 16.67, p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between sex or academic year and history of pericoronitis.

Personal experience with pericoronitis significantly influences dental consultation behavior among students. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening preventive education and evidence-based management strategies in undergraduate dental training.