264 - A Survey of SDF Training Among Graduating Dental Students

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the knowledge and training regarding Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) among graduating dental students at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), Boston, USA, and Riyadh Elm University (REU), Riyadh, KSA.

Methods: An electronic survey on Qualtrics was distributed to recruitment emails of Current graduating dental students at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), and Riyadh Elm University (REU). The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions regarding Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) knowledge, Clinical and didactic training during the Pre-doctoral Dental program.

Results:
TUSDM participants had more knowledge of indications, contraindications, and risks of SDF than RUE.
TUSDM participants had significantly more didactic training, and REU had significantly more clinical training.
TUSDM participants had significantly more didactic training on permanent teeth.
Most of TUSDM participants stated that they had not received sufficient training on SDF. However, REU participants were found to have discrepancies in agreeing and disagreeing on receiving sufficient training.
Most of TUSDM participants stated that they are not confident in providing SDF as a treatment. In the other hand, REU participants were found to have discrepancies in agreeing and disagreeing on receiving sufficient training.

Conclusion: TUSDM participants had higher knowledge and didactic training although they were not satisfied on SDF training received. In contrast, REU participants were found to have lower knowledge and didactic training, but they were more confident in providing SDF.