Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward regenerative endodontics and factors affecting its practice among dental practitioners in Ajmer city: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Regenerative methods, which regenerate the damaged structures, are one of the treatment methods in endodntics. This conservative approach helps to generate cells that may produce the lost structure. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice among dental practitioners toward regenerative endodontics and factors affecting their knowledge, attitude, and practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in the month of June–August 2018 in Ajmer city. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from JLN Medical College and Hospital, Department of Dentistry. A total of 100 clinics were visited and face-to-face interview schedule was conducted. A total of 123 dental practitioners were interviewed. A 26 item questionnaire was generated to measure knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental professionals regarding regenerative endodontics. RESULTS: 63% of study participants had poor knowledge scores. Majority of study participants 83 (67%) had poor attitude scores. On applying Pearson's correlation, it was determined that the knowledge regarding regenerative endodontics was significantly (P ≤ 0.001) ** correlated to the attitude among study participants. On applying Chi-square test, it was assessed that the knowledge and practice among study participants were significantly (P = 0.041*) and (P = 0.001**) associated with gender of study participants. CONCLUSION: From above results, it is concluded that study participants have poor knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding regenerative endodontics. The knowledge regarding regenerative endodontics was significantly associated with the attitude of study participants. Participants with Masters of Dental Surgery (MDS) degree had a significant effect on the knowledge regarding the regenerative endodontics. Endodontic specialty has a significant effect on the attitude of study subjects.