EC Dental Science

Research Article Volume 22 Issue 12 - 2023

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Light-Curing Units among Dental Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Arwa Alzahrani1*, Ismail Abdouh2, Rawiyah Alzahrani3, Nada Mansi3, Bashair Alsharif3, Yazeed Alfozan4, Dareen Tumbukani5 and Khalid Aboalshamat6

1Bachelor of Dental Medicine and Surgery, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
2Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Basic and Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia
3Bachelor of Dental Medicine and Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
4Dental Specialist, Ohud Hospital, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Medinah, Saudi Arabia
5General Dentist, Ministry of Health, Taif, Saudi Arabia
6Associate Professor of Dental Public Health, Dental Public Health Division, Preventative Dentistry Department, College of Dental Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author: Arwa Alzahrani, Bachelor of Dental Medicine and Surgery, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Received: November 09, 2023; Published: November 28, 2023



Background: Resin-based composites have become the most commonly used adhesive restorative materials in dentistry. However, insufficient polymerization can disrupt color constancy, affect strength, decrease hardness, and impact water sorption. This study aimed to measure the knowledge and attitudes toward light-curing units (LCUs) among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study collected data from 249 dental professionals in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from a previous study and hosted on Google Forms to assess the knowledge and attitudes about maintenance and infection control with LCUs among the dental professionals.

Results: A majority of the participants, around 67%, were currently using light-emitting diode type light curing, and most knowledge questions were correctly answered, with the exception of a question about the term used to define the amount of power of an LCU, which 40% incorrectly answered as radiant exposure. The mean score of knowledge and practice was calculated (mean = 14.00, standard deviation = 2.96), and significant differences were found between the professionals (p = 0.025), with specialists and consultants scoring higher (score = 15.24). Additionally, participants working in both governmental and private sectors had significantly higher scores than others (score = 15.86, p = 0.041).

Conclusion: The study revealed that dental professionals correctly answered most knowledge questions about LCUs, but half of the maintenance questions were answered incorrectly. Educational workshops and courses could improve LCU knowledge about maintenance.

 Keywords: LCU; Dental Professional; Maintenance; Knowledge; Attitude

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Arwa Alzahrani., et al. “Knowledge and Attitudes towards Light-Curing Units among Dental Professionals in Saudi Arabia”.”. EC Dental Science 22.12 (2023): 01-10.