Knowledge of undergraduate dental students toward orthodontic skeletal temporary anchorage devices at Kuwait University.

Background: The introduction of skeletal Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) into orthodontics has provided orthodontists with reliable techniques of correcting anchorage problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate dental students during their clinical years (fifth, sixth and seventh-year) at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry regarding the use of TADs.

Methods: A printed structured questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was given to the undergraduate dental students of Kuwait University in the fifth (n = 22), sixth (n = 28) and seventh (n = 22)-years. It evaluated the level and source of information regarding orthodontic TADs.

Results: The seventh-year dental students displayed the best degree of knowledge regarding the use of TADs and the clinical case management, compared with the sixth and fifth-year dental students. The significance of introducing the orthodontic TADs topic earlier in the orthodontic curriculum has been agreed upon by 42% of respondents. The total knowledge score showed a significant difference (χ2 = 40.3, p = 0.000), where the seventh year dental students had the best level of knowledge regarding the topic of TADs. Two-thirds (63.6%) preferred to introduce that topic during the sixth year.

Conclusions: The senior (7th year) dental students had the best knowledge about the topic of TADs. Introducing the topic of TADs earlier in the undergraduate dental program will enhance the students' case-based learning setup. Hence, the early exposure to use of TADs will improve the students' clinical problem-solving and decision making skills during their undergraduate clinical years.