Attitude of dental students towards the rubber dam use in operative dentistry

Abstract

Aim: Operative dentistry and endodontics are the two major areas where rubber dam is used extensively with special emphasis to train students on its application during dental curriculum. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the attitude of dental students toward the use of rubber dam in operative dentistry clinics along with emphasis on evaluation of its prospective application after graduation. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire-based analysis was performed among internship students of a dentistry program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questions were based on training, latex allergy, and selection of jaws for application of rubber dam and prospective use of rubber dam during practice. Results: A completed questionnaire by all participants (n = 110) was analyzed and subjected to statistical analysis. Around 80.9% of the students agreed that adequate and satisfactory training for rubber dam placement was imparted while 59.1% agreed that they enquire about latex allergy before placement of rubber dam. Further, 85.5% of the students planned to use rubber dam for all procedures after graduation. Conclusion: A promising response was exhibited by this group of future dentists toward the application of rubber dam during restorative procedures.

Keywords

• attitude
• dental students
• operative dentistry
• rubber dam