DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess perceptions and anxiety levels of dental students during the administration of local anesthesia.

Methodology

A comparative cross-sectional study conducted in Foundation University Dental College and multiple institutes. A questionnaire with three sections (demographic profile, perceptions, and experience of local anesthesia administration on a 5-point Likert's scale) and a comparative anxiety analysis (before, during, and after administration on an interval scale) was used. The study included 380 dental students and professionals with less than 2 years of experience.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Study Conception & Ethical Approval"] --> B["Sample Size Calculation"];
    B --> C["Participant Recruitment"];
    C --> D["Data Collection via Questionnaire"];
    D --> E["Data Analysis"];
    E --> F["Results Interpretation"];
    F --> G["Discussion & Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that a significant majority of dental students experience anxiety before, during, and after administering local anesthesia, with students showing higher anxiety levels than house officers and demonstrators. The findings support the use of video demonstrations and hands-on practice as effective adjuncts to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in local anesthesia administration.

Key Findings

81.8% of dental students/professionals reported anxiety before administering local anesthesia. Students were significantly more anxious during and after local anesthesia administration compared to clinical practitioners (p<0.001). 89% of responders agreed to the usefulness of video demonstration, and 98% agreed to the usefulness of hands-on practice for local anesthesia administration techniques.

Conclusion

Dental students experience significant anxiety during and after local anesthesia administration compared to clinical practitioners. Video demonstrations and hands-on practice are valuable tools for reducing this anxiety and improving the technique.

Fact Check

* 81.8% of dental students/professionals were anxious before administering local anesthesia. (Confirmed in Results and Discussion)
* The study was conducted from August to October 2021. (Confirmed in Methodology)
* 98% of responders agreed to the usefulness of hands-on practice of local anesthesia administration techniques. (Confirmed in Results and Discussion)

Mind Map