Perception of Dental Students and Practitioners Towards Dento-Legal Aspects of Dentistry

Dental surgeons are responsible for each and every step taken for dental treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, experience, and perception of dental students and practitioners regarding dento-legal aspects of dentistry.  

A total of 200 students and dental practitioners were selected from the Chennai colleges. A well-structured validated questionnaire comprising of 21 questions related to dento-legal aspects of dentistry was used for data collection to assess the knowledge, experience, and perception of participants regarding dento-legal aspects of dentistry, which included clinical scenario-based questions. The responses were tabulated and analyzed using OpenEpi software. All variables were analyzed descriptively.

Out of 200 participants surveyed, 53.6% were dental practitioners and 46.4% were dental students. Of all, 75% of dental practitioners and students were well aware of the dento-legal issues. Also, 50% of undergraduates and 65% of postgraduates were aware of their rights to protect themselves in legal cases. More than 50% of dental practitioners and students were aware of how to manage mishaps in a dental clinic. Out of 200 participants, 70% of dental practitioners and students were aware of the rules and regulations, and liabilities related to their practice.

Considering the present results, more emphasis should be placed on raising awareness among undergraduates regarding dento-legal aspects of dentistry and prevention of mishaps due to negligence during treatments.