Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Exploring the Perception of Dental Undergraduate Students and Faculty on Environmental Sustainability in Dentistry: A Cross-sectional Survey in 26 Dental Schools in Saudi Arabia

Version 1 : Received: 8 February 2023 / Approved: 13 February 2023 / Online: 13 February 2023 (06:49:33 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Jamal, H.; Marghalani, A.A.; Al-Sharif, A.; Shinawi, A.; Gaffar, B.; Al-Edaili, E.A.; Al-Baqami, G.; AlQarni, M. Exploring the Perception of Dental Undergraduate Students and Faculty on Environmental Sustainability in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 26 Dental Schools in Saudi Arabia. Dent. J. 2023, 11, 103. Jamal, H.; Marghalani, A.A.; Al-Sharif, A.; Shinawi, A.; Gaffar, B.; Al-Edaili, E.A.; Al-Baqami, G.; AlQarni, M. Exploring the Perception of Dental Undergraduate Students and Faculty on Environmental Sustainability in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 26 Dental Schools in Saudi Arabia. Dent. J. 2023, 11, 103.

Abstract

There are few published studies assessing dental students' and faculty's perception regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD), its existence within the dental curricula, along with barriers and enablers for its integration. As far as the authors know, no published study looked into this in Saudi Arabia, and this is what the current study aims to explore. A cross-sectional survey using validated online questionnaires for dental students and faculty was carried out in 26 dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The validated questionnaire utilized 25 questions using Qualtrics (XM) software. Both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were included in the data analysis. ESD content is not formally embedded within the dental curricula in all 26 included universities in Saudi Arabia. Although the majority of students and faculty members agreed or strongly agreed on the importance of ESD as a whole and the importance of teaching it, more than 82% and 81% of students and faculty, respectively, demonstrated a lack of basic knowledge concerning ESD. There is a high demand for incorporating ESD content in dental education in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, resources and policy changes are necessary. A top-down approach is needed, including incorporating ESD into dental education standards, using evidence-based practices in revising infection control regulations and providing institutional support through training, materials, and incentives. National dental associations and governments should provide practical solutions and actively support dental professionals in implementing ESD.

Keywords

sustainable dentistry; environment; sustainable development goals; education

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.