KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS

Abstract

There are multiple treatment modalities available to promote bone growth within the oral cavity. Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical dental procedure performed to initiate new bone growth in the maxillofacial region. This procedure has been employed for past 100 years in the lengthening of long bones.The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness about distraction osteogenesis among dental students.A custom made questionnaire comprising of 10 questions, 6 questions relating to knowledge and 4 questions regarding awareness about distraction osteogenesis were formulated and circulated among 100 undergraduate dental students. The responses were then subjected to statistical analysis. 67% were aware of the term distraction osteogenesis and the type of distracters. 75% were unaware of distractor and oral implant combination devices. 54% were aware that distraction osteogenesis being used as a part of orthodontic treatment.32% of them knew that distraction osteogenesis is ideal for vertical ridge augmentation and 50% were  aware  nerve injury is a complication of distraction osteogenesis.The present study suggests that among undergraduate dental students  the  knowledge and awareness regarding  distraction osteogenesis is moderate.The  knowledge and awareness of this procedure will increase if more clinical studies educational programs and research on the effectiveness of this procedure are conducted.