Evaluation of senior dental students, knowledge at universities in Tehran regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with an urgent situation

Abstract

Background and Aims: Management of an emergency is ultimately the dentist’s responsibility. Therefore, the dentists need to be able to manage an emergency and perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of final-year dental students in Tehran regarding CPR. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 200 final-year dental students (44 males and 156 females) from 4 dental schools in Tehran were randomly selected and surveyed using a multiple choice questionnaire evaluating their knowledge about CPR. The data were analyzed by SPSS16 software using two descriptive and inferential statistical methods via chart drawing of statistical quantities calculation and analysis of variance. Results: The mean score was 5.43±2.43. A positive correlation was found between receiving practical training and level of knowledge (P=0.001). However, the results showed no statistical differences between sex (P=0.409) or various dental schools (P=0.089). Conclusion: Since, the level of knowledge about CPR among participants were poor, there is a perceived need for further training in dental schools.

Keywords

• medical emergencies
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• cardiac arrest