ASSESSMENT OF DENTAL STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CARIOUS LESIONS IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Dental Students, Clinical Decision, Carious Lesions, curriculum improvement
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to assess dental students’ knowledge and clinical decision-making abilities regarding the management of carious lesions in paediatric patients, highlighting gaps and areas for curriculum improvement.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among final-year dental students and interns across five dental schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A validated questionnaire assessed knowledge of caries pathology, preventive strategies, and clinical decision-making scenarios. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests.
Results: A total of 312 students participated (response rate: 87%). While 81.4% correctly identified the etiology of early childhood caries, only 53.2% selected appropriate minimally invasive treatments for incipient lesions. Decision-making scores were significantly higher among students who had received additional paediatric dental training (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: While general knowledge of caries was satisfactory, notable deficiencies were observed in clinical decision-making regarding evidence-based management approaches. Integrating more case-based learning and hands-on clinical exposure in paediatric dentistry curricula is recommended.
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Dr. Arooj Irfan
Senior Lecturer Community Dentistry, Abbottabad International Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Maamoor Irfan
4th Year MBBS Student, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Dr. Usman Nazir
Assistant Professor Pediatric Dentistry, Bacha Khan College of Dentistry, Mardan, Pakistan
Dr. Noor Wajiha
Demonstrator Operative Dentistry Department, Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran, Pakistan
Dr. Raima Bilal
Lecturer, Women Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Dr Sajjad Ali Darvesh
Associate Professor and Head of Operative Dentistry Department, Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran, Pakistan