Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Silver Diamine Fluoride among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Background:

 Silver diamine fluoride is effective, as it arrests nearly 80% of the treated lesions. It is efficient and can be applied with minimum training in less than 1 minute by health professionals in various health and  community settings. It is patient-centered and meets the instant needs of a child in one treatment session  

 as it is minimally invasive and painless.

 Aim:

 The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards silver diamine fluoride among undergraduate students.

 Methodology:

 A self-validated questionnaire of 15 questions based on silver diamine fluoride is shared to dental

 students through e-mail. The obtained data were collected, descriptive analysis was done, tabulated and the results were interpreted using SPSS 26.0 software. 

 Results:

 The study showed that 45.8% of participants were aware of silver diamine fluoride. Only 9.9% of  participants had done fluoride application with silver diamine fluoride and only 42% is aware of silver diamine fluoride is not commonly used.

Conclusion:

 The study concluded that the overall knowledge of the participants regarding the use of silver diamine fluoride is not adequate. Hence, the study suggested that expanded education about the    proper use, application, and limitations of SDF is needed and it can be obtained by attending conferences,  CDE programs, various lectures and seminars.