First aid from dental students' perspective: interdisciplinary learning for patient safety

Aim of the study In the field of dentistry, emergencies can occur unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention and prompt action.The study aims to shed light on the experiences and knowledge of dental students in handling emergency situations and their understanding of the role of first aid in dental practice. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iasi. The questionnaire was updated on the Google Forms platform, and the link was distributed to dental students in their 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of study. Out of Approximately 420 students, 205 of them agreed to respond to the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0. Initially, the group was characterized using descriptive statistics, and subsequently, the comparative responses of the students based on their years of study were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The collected data was then analyzed for frequency distributions. Results The findings indicate that dental students possess awareness regarding the risks associated with routine dental practice. While they exhibit a satisfactory level of theoretical knowledge, they lack the necessary confidence to administer first aid, thereby highlighting a disparity between their theoretical understanding and practical skills. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for comprehensive education and training in dental emergency management to equip dental students with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergency situations effectively. By incorporating these insights into dental curricula, educators can contribute to the development of competent dental professionals who prioritize patient safety.