Dental Students’ Knowledge of the Differential Diagnosis of Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE)
a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2025.59245Keywords:
dental enamel hypoplasia, dental fluorosis, dental enamel, differential diagnosis, dental studentsAbstract
Introduction: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) are disturbances in enamel formation that can compromise tooth function and esthetics and increase susceptibility to dental caries. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate clinical management.
Aim: To compare the ability to perform differential diagnosis of DDE among undergraduate dental students in their penultimate (3rd year; G1) and final (4th year; G2) years of study at a private university.
Methods: A total of 121 students participated in this comparative cross-sectional study (G1: n=71; G2: n=50). Data was collected through an online questionnaire comprising ten clinical case scenarios that required differential diagnosis of DDE. One point was awarded for each correct response, and the total scores were analyzed within and between groups. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test (α=5%).
Results: The mean age of participants was 22.5 ± 4.0 years, with a predominance of females (82.6%). Integrated Dentistry for Children and Adolescents (71.9%) was the most frequently reported discipline addressing DDE. Regarding perceived preparedness, 39.7% of students reported that their coursework provided sufficient knowledge for DDE diagnosis. The overall mean score of correct diagnoses among all participants was 6.2 ± 1.8. Group G2 had a significantly higher mean score (6.6 ± 2.0) compared to G1 (6.0 ± 1.5) (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Dental students demonstrated a moderate level of diagnostic accuracy in identifying DDE. Final-year students demonstrated greater proficiency in the differential diagnosis of DDE than penultimate-year students, suggesting progressive knowledge acquisition throughout the dental curriculum. Nevertheless, diagnostic challenges remain, underscoring the need for ongoing education and reinforcement of this topic.
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