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Abstract

Background: Dentists play a crucial role in healthcare by offering guidance on oral health and performing both preventive and restorative treatments. In contemporary clinical practice, dentists determine the necessary investigations or tests to establish a diagnosis and manage the subsequent treatment of dental issues. Recently, there has been a growing focus on assessing the appropriateness of healthcare practices, which extends to the evaluation of protocols and procedures within the field of dentistry.
Aim and objective: The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of diagnostic exams, treatments, and procedures among dental practitioners. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental practitioners about dental practice.
Material and methods: 171 dental specialists were included in the study. The questionnaire included 12 closed-ended, multiple choice questions. The questions were related to topics in general dentistry. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Results: The survey respondents are Dentists with or without specialty in dentistry (39.4% were undergraduates while 60.8% were postgraduates). The results were statistically significant for all 12 questions and the study highlights the imperative need for the advancement of the educational initiatives centered on fundamental treatment concepts within the field of dentistry.
Conclusion: Specialty dentists who operate within their specific fields are required to possess a fundamental understanding of general dental practice. Regular participation in continuing education programs focused on the diagnosis of dental issues, antibiotic prescription protocols, and emerging treatment techniques can significantly enhance practitioners' ability to deliver comprehensive care to their patients.