Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Disease, Dental Research Center, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Public Health, Dental Research Center, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3
Dental Students’ Research Committee, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4
Post Graduate Student, Dental Students’ Research Committee, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5
Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontics, Dental Implant Research Center, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Laser technology has been employed in various medical fields to alleviate pain and lessen recovery time. In the field of dentistry, it is regarded as an accurate and efficient method to diagnose and perform certain treatments such as dental surgery, root canal treatment, and periodontal tissue treatments. Therefore, with the advent of new dental technology, it is critical to raise dentists' awareness of laser applications. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of specialist assistants and senior general course students toward using lasers in dentistry.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed from 2021 to 2022 in Isfahan School of Dentistry (Iran). The participants were specialist assistants and senior general course students. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the participants toward using lasers in dentistry. The questionnaire included 26 questions regarding knowledge and attitude toward using lasers in dentistry. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and employing an independent t-test and Chi-square test.
Results: The mean score of awareness level was 5.33, and the mean score of attitudes was 49.9, which indicated that students and assistants had an intermediate level of awareness and attitude. Indeed, students and assistants were eager to learn and receive information in this area.
Conclusion: The general level of awareness among students and assistants was intermediate, and given their positive attitude toward learning, it seems necessary to place more emphasis on education and awareness for dental students to benefit from this technology.
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