Knowledge and awareness of palliative medicine amongst students of a rural dental college in India

OBJECTIVES: To determine the current knowledge and awareness among undergraduate dental students in a rural dental college regarding palliative medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on students of a rural dental college located in western India. They were asked to fill a pre-designed questionnaire. The variables assessed were their knowledge and awareness towards palliative medicine and a dentist role in palliative team. RESULTS: A total of 150 students participated. The male:female ratio was 1:2; mean age of respondent was 20.66 ± 1.01 years. On an average, 59.23% were correct and 40.67% were incorrect for knowledge about palliative medicine, while 81.55% were correct and 18.45% were incorrect regarding awareness about oral care in palliative medicine. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that students had good awareness and perception level about awareness of oral care in palliative treatment.