Knowledge, Awareness, and Preventive Practices Regarding Radiation-Induced Caries among Dental Students and Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Sarita Gill *
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, 303108, India.
Pradipkumar Damor
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Manav Rachna Dental College, MRIIRS, Faridabad, Haryana-121004, India.
Mayank Charan
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, 303108, India.
Rishi Nanda
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan 303108, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Radiation-induced caries is a long-term oral complication of head and neck radiotherapy, mainly associated with salivary gland dysfunction, xerostomia, and changes in the oral environment. This study assessed knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding radiation-induced caries among dental students and practitioners.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students, postgraduate dental students, and general dental practitioners. A 22-item electronic questionnaire structured around Knowledge–Awareness–Practice (KAP) domains was distributed. Twenty-one evaluative items were scored to generate a composite KAP score ranging from 0 to 21, while one behavioural practice item was analysed descriptively. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Differences among professional groups were examined using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and correlations among KAP domains were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Results: Of 100 responses received, 97 complete responses were included in subgroup analysis. Mean composite KAP scores were 12.53 ± 5.23 for undergraduate students, 12.63 ± 3.35 for postgraduate students, and 13.69 ± 3.16 for general dental practitioners. No statistically significant difference in composite KAP scores was observed among the groups (H = 1.44, p = 0.487). Among undergraduate students, strong positive correlations were observed between Knowledge and Prevention (rs = 0.820) and between Awareness and Prevention (rs = 0.735). Overall, 47.9% (46/96) of participants reported always performing pre-radiotherapy dental caries risk assessment. Respondents most frequently recognised xerostomia and topical fluoride therapy as important factors in prevention.
Conclusion: Dental students and practitioners demonstrated generally satisfactory knowledge and awareness of radiation-induced caries, but inconsistencies remained in the routine application of preventive practices and in selected aspects of clinical management.
Keywords: Radiation-induced caries, radiation-related caries, head and neck radiotherapy, xerostomia, salivary gland dysfunction, dental students, dental practitioners, knowledge, awareness and practice, preventive dentistry, pre-radiotherapy dental assessment