Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Senior Dental Students and General Dentists Regarding Anti-coagulant Therapy and Related Tests

Abstract

Background: Several dental procedures involve bleeding, which is typically not a concern under normal circumstances. However, in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy, there may be fatal consequences unless proper dental management is implemented. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dentists and senior dental students regarding anticoagulant therapy and its related tests. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions regarding knowledge, 4 questions for attitude, and 2 questions for practice assessment. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire have been confirmed. The answers were coded, and SPSS software was used to analyze the data. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The total number of participants was 400, of whom 275 completed the study, including 152 students and 123 dentists. The mean score of knowledge was 16.84 ± 3.57. The mean scores of knowledge for students and dentists were 17.30 ± 3.72 and 16.29 ± 3.39, respectively, which were statistically significant (P = 0.021). The mean score of attitude and the prevalence of answers to practice questions were also reported. Conclusions: The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding anticoagulant therapy and related tests was relatively low, especially among general dentists. Planning educational programs seems necessary to improve knowledge and practice on the subject.