Dental Residents’ Knowledge and Attitude towards Stem Cells and Regenerative Dentistry

Objectives: Success of regenerative dental procedures highly depends on their acceptance by the clinicians; yet, little is known about dental residents rsquo; attitudes regarding this new technology. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of postgraduate dental students towards stem cells and regenerative dentistry as part of future dental treatments. Methods: This crosssectional survey was conducted on 84 thirdyear residents of various dental specialties. The questionnaire included demographics and professional status of the respondents, questions regarding their ethical beliefs and their clinical practice. Results: Eightyfour completed questioners were returned anonymously. The majorities of the participants were female, and had practiced for le; 5 years. The survey showed that 76.2% of the participants had not received any continuing education or training courses on stem cells or regenerative dentistry. The majority of the participants (82.1%) believed that regenerative treatments should be included in dental practice. Of all, 76.2% had no umbilical cord or stem cell banking for themselves or a relative and 63.1% thought that dental pulp stem cell banking would be useful to regenerate dental tissues. Most of the participants (65.5%) had never performed regenerative therapy of any kind in their clinical practice and 51.2% of the participants were not sure whether regenerative procedures would be successful. Conclusion: Although more evidence on the efficacy and safety of regenerative dentistry is required, postgraduate training in this regard seems necessary.