Clinical Knowledge of Final-Year Dental Students Regarding the Dental Management of Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Public Universities of São Paulo, Brazil

Martins Ferreira, Ana Laura; Genaro, Luis Eduardo; Lopez Rosell, Fernanda

doi:10.15517/6ypzz253

Authors

Ana Laura Martins Ferreira Department of Community Dentistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1686-3137
Luis Eduardo Genaro Department of Community Dentistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4206-2974
Fernanda Lopez Rosell Department of Community Dentistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, Brazil. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6270-9168

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/6ypzz253

Keywords:

Knowledge; Oral health; Students; Pregnant women.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical knowledge of final-year dental students from public universities in the state of São Paulo regarding the management of pregnant women in dental care. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 final-year dental students from six public universities. A structured and self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic variables, aspects of undergraduate training, and specific domains of clinical knowledge related to pregnancy management in dentistry (timing of procedures, anesthetic use, radiographic safety, medication prescription, and preventive care). Data were analyzed in JAMOVI using Fisher’s exact test (α=0.05). Overall, students demonstrated intermediate to satisfactory levels of clinical knowledge. Most participants correctly recognized the importance of oral health during pregnancy (60.3%), identified the second trimester as the safest period for most procedures (47.6%), and selected lidocaine as the anesthetic of choice (82.5%). Furthermore, 60.3% indicated awareness of appropriate radiographic protection protocols, and 79.3% reported that fluoride use is safe during pregnancy. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) was found between knowledge of fluoride use and course duration, with higher accuracy among students enrolled in five-year programs. The findings indicate that final-year dental students from public universities in São Paulo possess a reasonable level of clinical knowledge regarding dental care for pregnant women, particularly concerning anesthesia, radioprotection, and preventive measures. Nonetheless, gaps persist in understanding the optimal timing of procedures and biological aspects related to oral health during pregnancy, underscoring the need for curricular reinforcement in these areas.

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