Knowledge of students and recent graduates about extraction of mandibular third molars

Abstract

A surgical procedure often performed in dentistry is the extraction of third molars. Their tooth germ is the last to be formed, and because of this they have greater impaction, especially the lower ones, which makes the surgical technique more complex and in need of effective prior planning. Objective: This research evaluated the knowledge of dental students and recent graduates regarding the difficulties inherent to all planning and surgical technique for extraction of mandibular third molars. Methodology: A cross-sectional study with descriptive analysis was carried out, and data were collected using an online questionnaire disseminated by social media to dental students and recent graduates of up to 2 (two) years of the same institutions. Results: 80 questionnaires were answered and the results shows a significant number of errors when taking into account that only three participants got 13 questions right out of a total of 18. Conclusion: Higher education institutions needs to improve the curriculum of oral surgery subjects both in theory and clinical practice so that students will be able to safely perform this procedure.