Undergraduate dental students’ perception, educational satisfaction, and attitude regarding the use of rubber dam.
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Date
2018
Authors
Olatosi, O.O.
Nzomiwu, C.L.
Erinoso, O.A.
Oladunjoye, A.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Abstract
Background and Objective: The rubber dam is used in dentistry to create saliva‑free
working environment during operative procedures. Despite its numerous advantages,
utilization is poor in dental schools. We sought to determine undergraduate dental
students’ perception, educational satisfaction, and attitude regarding the use of rubber dam.
Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional survey was carried out among 5th and 6th year
undergraduate dental students. A structured questionnaire was developed that sought their
perception, educational satisfaction, and attitude regarding the use of rubber dam. Data
collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. P <0.05 was considered statistically
significant.
Results: One hundred and nine students participated in the study; 66 (60.6%)
females and 43 (39.4%) males with a mean age of 23.4 ± 2.02. Most of the students, i.e., 73 (67%)
were satisfied with their classroom experience with regard to the use of rubber dam but were
least satisfied with their laboratory and clinical training. There was a statistically significant
association between the students’ satisfaction with their training in the use of rubber dam and
the confidence to use the rubber dam on their patients (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: The students agreed to the importance of rubber dam but were not satisfied with their hands‑on clinical training. The use of rubber dam postgraduation may be influenced by the dental educator’s
method of training, motivation, and consistency in its use. Students who acquire competence
and are confident in the use of rubber dam during their undergraduate training are more likely
to continue to use the skills following graduation.
Description
Keywords
Education - dental , Rubber dam , Dental educators
Citation
Olatosi, O.O., Nzomiwu, C.L., Erinoso, O.A., & Oladunjoye, A.A. (2018). Undergraduate dental students' perception, educational satisfaction, and attitude regarding the use of rubber dam. Journal of Clinical Sciences, 15(1), 13-17.