Evaluation of Knowledge Levels of Senior Dental Students and Dentists on Maxillofacial Trauma

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge about the maxillofacial trauma approach for senior dental school students and dentists. Methods: A 20-question survey was prepared to evaluate the knowledge levels and approaches of maxillofacial trauma and conducted to the last year students of Ataturk University Faculty of Dentistry and dentists working in the province of Erzurum. The study included 91 senior dental students and 51 dentists. Results: For 11 answers of the 13 questions that assessed the level of knowledge, it’s showed that the correct answer was preferred. Only for two answers, the false choice was more preferred. For all of the 7 subjective assessment questions directed to the participants and assessing the clinical approach, negative results were obtained by both groups. Conclusion: Despite the level of knowledge about maxillofacial trauma for both senior students and dentists were acceptable, it’s showed that participants were not self-confident enough in this issue. This is concluded that theoretical knowledge on this issue should be strengthened clinically and a suitable education strategy should be established