Knowledge and Attitude of UG Dental Students about Nanotechnology in Dentistry

Abstract

The term nano is derived from a Greek word ‘nannos’ which means dwarf. Nanotechnology is the science that deals with physical, chemical and biological properties of structures at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is used in science, biotechnology, computer technology, electronics, agriculture, household as well as dentistry. Nanotechnology was used in dentistry in the early 1970s in microfilled composites comprising particles less than 100nm diameter. In recent times the composite particles are used that range from 20-600nm. In dentistry it is mainly used in restoration, orthodontic treatment and injecting local anesthesia and has many other uses. The main aim of nanotechnology in dentistry is to prevent any oral disease rather than treating it. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of UG dental students about nanotechnology in dentistry. A cross-sectional prospective survey was created in google docs with a questionnaire containing 15 questions, and the link was shared to 100 UG dental students. The results were analysed and represented as a pie chart and bar diagrams. Majority of (60%) of them were aware about nanotechnology, and few were not aware (40%). 46% of students were aware of the use of nanotechnology in dentistry, and 52% of participants felt it nanomaterials was not affordable. From the results obtained, the knowledge and attitude among Undergraduate dental students about nanotechnology in dentistry was found to be average.