Knowledge, attitude and perception of dental fraternity towards practice of rubber dam

ABSTRACT

Rubber dam isolates operating field and makes treatment less invasive and safer for the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of using rubber dam among different strata of dental fraternity. This cross sectional survey was conducted at Dental section, Dow International Medical College; DUHS from November 2014 till may 2015. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed amongst dental students, house officers and postgraduate trainee. General practitioners and retired dentist were excluded from the study. Three hundred and seventy four questionnaires were returned with over all response rate of 93.5%. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Statistically there was a significant association between knowledge and designation [p=0.031]. Dentist showed positive attitude towards rubber dam application [p=0.00]. It is concluded that dentists have significant knowledge about rubber dam use, but general reluctance towards it require change in the attitude by improvising regular practice