Knowledge On Morphology Of Deciduous Teeth Among Dental Students - A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

BACK GROUND :

    Deciduous teeth is the official term for baby teeth , milk teeth (or) primary teeth. Deciduous teeth start developing during the embryonic stage and commonly begin to come in about 6 months. They are usually lost and replaced by permanent teeth and also remain functional for many years in the absence of their permanent teeth .

AIM:

     To evaluate the knowledge about morphology of deciduous teeth among undergraduates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

      A survey was conducted among dental students on morphology of deciduous teeth. The questionnaire was distributed through an online survey link (google forms). Responses  were collected , results were calculated and statistically analysed through SPSS software.

RESULTS :

       There were 100 responses collected from dental UG students for this survey. From the responses collected, it is shown that first year students(48 %) were  more knowledgeable about the morphology of deciduous teeth than second(9%),third (11%),final year students(13%) and interns(19%). The association between year of study and knowledge about morphology of deciduous teeth is evaluated by pearson chi square test yields P value of 0.693 which is statistically  non - significant.

CONCLUSION :

       It was concluded that first year students have more knowledge when compared to second, third , final year students and interns. This research had helped the students in filling the knowledge gap regarding morphology of deciduous teeth.