Amalgam management among clinical dental students a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of amalgam management by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) clinical dental students. Materials and methods: Validated written questionnaires were distributed to the year 4 and year 5 students as well as lecturers who were involved in the clinical sessions. Data was collected over two months. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 software. There were no significant differences between the students and clinical lecturers in terms of (1) knowledge of mercury exposure from amalgam and (2) amalgam handling practices (p > .05), except for the usage of high-volume evacuators and rubber dams as well as pouring of amalgam wastes from the filters into the sinks. As for amalgam-disposal practices, the responses were varied but there were no significant differences between the both groups as well (p > .05). Overall, 83% and 52.4% of the students disposed of non-contact and contact amalgam wastes respectively into closed containers which contained oil. Interestingly, 69.2% of the students claimed that they followed the prescribed amalgam management protocol at the clinic, even though 70.8% of them did not know the exact protocol and wanted to learn more about the same. The KAP of IIUM’s clinical dental students were not significantly different from those of the lecturers. However, the amalgam management protocol at the clinic should be revised to better organize the same