Awareness of Cryo Electro-Tomography among Dental Students

Abstract

CryoElectronomography (CryoET) is indeed an imaging method used to create high resolution (~1-4 nm) three-dimensional viewpoints of specimen, usually physiological macromolecules as well as cell lines. CryoET is really a highly specialized implementation of scanning electron microscopy cryomicroscopy whereby the specimen are scanned since they are tilted, triggering a series of Image data which can be processed to create a 3d image, analogous to 3D images, similar to a CT scan of the human body. This survey was done for assessing the awareness of Cryo electro tomography amongst dental students. This was a questionnaire oriented cross-sectional type of survey comprising 100 dental college students in Chennai. A self-designed questionnaire comprising ten questions based on the knowledge and awareness about Cryo-electron tomography amongst dental college students. Questionnaires were circulated through an online website survey planet. The questions explored the awareness of using Cryo-electron tomography as a tool to study various biological applications. After the responses were received from 100 participants, data was collected and analyzed. 7% are aware about Cryo Electro-tomography. 3% are aware of the mechanism of action of Cryo Electro-tomography. 5% are aware of the diagnostic applications of Cryo Electro-tomography. 3% are aware of the limitations Cryo Electro-tomography. 91% are willing to learn about Cryo Electro-tomography. This study concluded that dental students showed less knowledge and awareness toward Cryo Electro-tomography. There are large gaps in the knowledge and attitudes requiring strong remedial measures.