Knowledge about Teratogenic Drugs among Dentists - A Cross-Sectional Survey
B. Reshmi
Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Dhanraj Ganapathy
Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Ashok Velayudhan
Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Kirankumar Pandurangan
Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Teratogen is any agent that might interfere with the proper growth and development of the embryo or foetus. Teratogens usually involve radiation, cancer, chemicals, and drugs. Comprehension of teratogenic drugs is of great value to dental practitioners because they handle a wide range of drugs that cause teratogenicity in the care of patients with dental problems during pregnancy. The aim of this survey is to assess the awareness among dentists of teratogenic drugs. The study was conducted among 100 final year dental students and interns in Chennai City. 10 questions eliciting information on the knowledge and understanding of teratogenic drugs were framed and distributed. The responses obtained from the participants were compiled, processed further, and analyzed. 83% of the participants were aware of teratogenic drugs. This study concluded that knowledge about teratogenic drugs is adequate among dental students.
Keywords: Awareness, dental consideration, pregnancy, teratogenicity, students, dentists