Knowledge on local complications after simple tooth extraction in dentistry students

Cornejo H.M.V.; Mejía V.F.; Prado C.A.J.; Guillen-Galarza M.F. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: Local complications following simple extractions, such as dry socket, bleeding, and prolonged pain, are common in dentistry. Their proper treatment depends on the professional's knowledge, so assessing dental students is key to strengthening their clinical training. Objectives: To evaluate the level of knowledge about local complications post-simple tooth extraction in dental students. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 252 students from cycles VI to X of the Stomatology degree. The target population consisted of students enrolled in these cycles during the 2021-II semester who had taken the subject of Oral Surgery or Oral Surgery I. A validated 12-item questionnaire was applied through a virtual survey. The variables studied were sex, academic cycle, and level of knowledge on the management of local complications post-extraction. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to evaluate associations. Results: 73.8% of students had an average level of knowledge, 15.5% had a high level, and 10.7% had a low level. No significant relationship was found with gender (p= 0.66), but a significant relationship was found with academic year (p= 0.037). High level was most common among students in the tenth year. Conclusions: It is essential to strengthen education about postoperative complications from the early stages of training to ensure safer and more effective dental care.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad César Vallejo