Safety of Dental Restorative Materials – A Survey among Undergraduate Dental Students

Abstract

Usage of proper dental restorative materials is very important in dentistry. One who is doing the course of
dentistry should have sound knowledge on these restorative materials. Furthermore, it is important to know
the view of budding young dentists about safety of dental restorative materials. The aim of present study was
to assess the awareness and perception of undergraduate dental students towards safety of dental restorative
materials. A study was carried out by using multiple-choice structured questionnaire among 262 students,
the questionnaire was prepared in such a way that we can assess the attitude, their perception and awareness
towards safety of dental restorative materials. The data was collected and statistically analysed. Although,
most of the participants were having moderate level of awareness towards safety of dental restorative
materials. The level of perception of some respondents towards amalgam related and other restorative
materials related issues was found to be improved, participants with a better perception and attitude are
having more knowledge and awareness towards safety of dental restorative materials. Within the limitations
of the study, usage of alternative materials to amalgam should be improved.