DENTISTRY PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE LEVELS AND PERSPECTIVES ON ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of knowledge, sources of information, and perspectives of patients about root canal treatment with demographic data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of pre-structured closed-ended questions was distributed to 500 volunteer participants from patients who came to the dental school for general dental examination. The questionnaire included questions on demographic data and 12 multiple-choice questions to assess patients' knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards root canal treatment. With the completed questionnaire, participants' knowledge and opinions about root canal treatment were analyzed with demographic data. Descriptive statistics and regression model were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: It was found that 335 (67%) of the patients had information about root canal treatment. The source of information was found to be the dentist by 77.6%. Gender was not found to have an effect on the level of knowledge and attitude towards root canal treatment (p=0.926). As the age level increases, the level of knowledge about root canal treatment decreases (p=0.044). As the level of education and income increases, the level of knowledge about root canal treatment increases (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Patients' knowledge and awareness levels were found to be affected by age, education and income level. Although social media and the environment affect patients' knowledge and awareness, it is understood that dentists are the main factor.