Diş Hekimliği Öğrencileri ve Diş Hekimlerinin Şeffaf Plaklar Hakkındaki Bilgi Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Amaç: Gelişen teknolojiyle birlikte dijital tasarımların ve üretimlerin ortodontik tedavilerde kullanımı sonucu popülaritesi artan şeffaf plaklar, yüksek oranda tercih edilen bir tedavi seçeneği olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu anket çalışmasında diş hekimliği fakültesinde ortodonti pratik ve teorik eğitimini alan 4. ve 5. sınıf öğrencileri ile son 2 sene içerisinde mezun olmuş diş hekimlerinin şeffaf plak tedavileri hakkındaki bilgi düzeylerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya diş hekimliği 4. ve 5. sınıf öğrencileri ile son 2 sene içerisinde mezun olmuş diş hekimleri dahil edildi. Katılımcılara şeffaf plaklar ile ilgili 25 sorudan oluşan bir anket uygulandı. Bulgular: Çalışmaya toplamda 219 birey katıldı. Katılımcıların 96’sı 4. sınıf öğrencisi, 75’i 5. sınıf öğrencisi ve 48’i 2023-2024 yıllarında mezun olmuş diş hekimlerinden oluşmaktadır. Yapılan istatistiksel analizler sonucunda pekiştirme apareyi ve tedaviyi uygulaması gereken hekim grubuna dair verilen yanıtlarda farklı yaş gruplarına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar bulunmuştur (p<0,05). Plakların takılıp çıkarılabilmesi, plaklarla uyunabilmesi, plakta beslenmeyle oluşan renklenme ve plaklarla ağız bakımına dair verilen yanıtlarda cinsiyet gruplarına göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar bulunmuştur (p<0,05). Şeffaf plakların nereden/kimden duyulduğu, plaklarla uyunabilmesi, ataşmanların amacı ve uygulanması ile protetik yaklaşımlara dair verilen yanıtlarda farklı eğitim düzeylerine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar bulunmuştur (p<0,05). Sonuç: Gelişen teknolojiyle birlikte popülaritesi artan şeffaf plak tedavilerine dair bilgi düzeylerinde anlamlı farklılıklar olduğu görülmüştür. Şeffaf plak tedavilerinin etkinliğinin arttırılmasında, materyalin tanınması ve tüm özelliklerinin anlaşılabilmesi için bilgi düzeyinin arttırılması gerekmektedir.

Keywords

• Şeffaf plak
• Diş hekimi
• Öğrenci
• Bilgi düzeyi

Evaluation of Knowledge Levels about Clear Aligners among Dental Students and Dentists

Abstract

Introduction: With advancements in technology, the use of digital designs and manufacturing in orthodontic treatments has significantly increased the popularity of clear aligners, making them a widely preferred treatment option. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels concerning clear aligner therapy among 4th- and 5th-year dental students undergoing theoretical and clinical orthodontic training, as well as dentists who graduated within the past 2 years. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 4th- and 5th-year dental students and dentists who had graduated within the last 2 years. Participants were asked to complete a 25-item multiple-choice questionnaire focused on clear aligner therapy. Results: A total of 219 individuals participated, including 96 4th-year students, 75 5th-year students, and 48 dentists who graduated between 2023 and 2024. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences across age groups in responses related to the necessity of retention appliances and the appropriate type of practitioner to deliver aligner therapy (p<0.05). Gender-based differences were also observed in views related to the removability of aligners, comfort during sleep, staining due to food intake, and oral hygiene habits during aligner use (p<0.05). Furthermore, educational level was significantly associated with participants’ knowledge of aligner information sources, comfort-related experiences, understanding of attachment functions and placement, as well as prosthodontic treatment compatibility (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate notable disparities in knowledge levels about clear aligner therapy, a treatment approach whose popularity continues to grow with technological progress. Enhancing the understanding of clear aligner materials and their properties is essential for improving the effectiveness and outcomes of such treatments.

Keywords

• Clear aligner
• Dentist
• Student
• Knowledge level

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