@article{article_1847558, title={Attitudes of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Students Toward Geriatric Patients}, journal={Cumhuriyet Dental Journal}, volume={29}, pages={309–315}, year={2026}, DOI={10.7126/cumudj.1847558}, url={https://izlik.org/JA28DP98CL}, author={Öğüt, Sevgi and Ararat, Emine}, keywords={Geriatrics, Dental education, Attitudes}, abstract={Objectives The increase in the geriatric patient population makes developing appropriate attitudes and competencies in this field critical for dental education. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate and postgraduate dental students about geriatric patients, compare these variables across educational levels, and provide recommendations for future educational policies. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a two-part questionnaire was administered to undergraduate (n=215) and postgraduate (n=200) dental students. The first section covered demographics, while the second assessed views on geriatric treatment, curriculum, and the need for specialized education. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Student’s t, and Mann–Whitney U tests (p <0.05). Results A total of 415 dental students participated in the study, with a mean age of 25.34 (± 3.05) years. Most participants agreed on the need to be more sympathetic and careful when treating geriatric patients. Similarly, high levels of agreement were observed with statements regarding treatment needs, differences in communication, and the adjustment/adaptation process. Significant differences were found between undergraduate and postgraduate students in terms of self-confidence in treating geriatric patients, length of appointment time for procedures, and need for geriatric education, with postgraduate students showing higher levels of engagement in these areas. Conclusion Postgraduate students showed higher engagement with the practical requirements of geriatric care compared to undergraduate students; findings point to the need to strengthen structured geriatric education at the undergraduate stage.}, number={2}