Comprehensive evaluation of knowledge and perceptions regarding geriatric dentistry among Saudi Arabian dental students

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Arabian dental students on geriatric dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a total of 100 participants belonging to Group I (25 each from third- and fourth-year students) and Group II (50 fifth-year students and interns ). All participants had completed a three-part questionnaire related to geriatric dentistry: Part I (knowledge), Part II (cognitive evaluation), and Part III (awareness and attitude of psychosocial and health problems). Comparisons were made between the groups, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The responses on the Part I were not statistically significant among the groups (P > 0.05). The knowledge mean scores comparison showed an evident significant relationship among the groups (P < 0.05). Overall the Group II participants achieved the highest scores for all the Parts (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The students belong to Group II, and the interns achieved higher scores than the Group I students. Dental students and interns in Saudi Arabia lack positive approaches in providing primary health care to geriatric individuals despite a rapidly growing geriatric population.