Attitudes of Young Dentists Toward Rubber Dam Use in Clinical Practice

Radaina Niaz; Tanzeela; Fazeela; Anfaal Binte Waheed; Sayyada Mehtab Urooj; Muhammad Anas; Muhammad Farrukh

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.355

Authors

Radaina Niaz Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Tanzeela Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
Fazeela Ziauddin University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Anfaal Binte Waheed Islamabad Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Sayyada Mehtab Urooj Watim Dental College, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
Muhammad Anas Bacha Khan College of Dentistry, Mardan, KP, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9914-397X
Muhammad Farrukh Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.355

Keywords:

Rubber Dam, Dental Practice, Young Dentists, Attitude, Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic

Abstract

Objective: To assess the attitudes, practices, and barriers regarding rubber dam usage among young dentists in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 78 dentists who graduated within the last five years. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on demographic details, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward rubber dam use. The questionnaire included 16 open- and closed-ended questions, covering frequency of use, reasons for non-use, preferred materials, patient compliance, and clinical outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to evaluate associations. Logistic regression identified predictors of rubber dam use. Results: Among participants, 59.5% used rubber dams, with only 15.4% reporting frequent use. The primary barrier was unavailability of kits (48%, P < 0.05). Better isolation was the primary benefit (93.3%, P < 0.01), while patient compliance was high in 59% of cases (P < 0.05). Latex sheets were preferred by 82.2%, with latex allergy reported as infrequent (89.7%, P < 0.01). Logistic regression indicated positive patient response as a significant predictor (odds ratio = 13.32, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Despite its benefits, rubber dam usage among young dentists is limited. Addressing barriers like kit availability and enhancing training can improve adoption and patient outcomes.

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