Comprehensive evaluation of knowledge and perceptions regarding geriatric dentistry among Saudi Arabian dental students.
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.
['Aldhuwayhi|Sami|S|']
D000368:Aged D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005850:Geriatric Dentistry D006801:Humans D010465:Perception D012529:Saudi Arabia D013335:Students, Dental D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
geriatric dentistry dental students dental education geriatric education