Background: Dental caries is one of the most widespread diseases affecting humans. It is a multifactorial disease affecting teeth. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the knowledge and attitude among dental interns in Riyadh toward adopting principles of minimally invasive dentistry (MID) to manage incipient dental caries.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019 for 2 months among dental interns of Riyadh Elm University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Saud University, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University. A total of 255 dental interns participated in the study by completing the questionnaire. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire, using 20 questions focused on knowledge, attitude, practice, and behaviors toward incipient decay.
Results: More than half of the participants (55.0%) reported that they would cavitate incipient caries if it extended to half of the enamel.
Conclusion: Dental interns had knowledge about the benefits of the conservative approach toward incipient decay. However, the study showed insufficiencies in their attitudes toward caries recognition methods and the application of MID procedures. Many dental interns still follow the traditional values of complete caries removal.
Key words: Knowledge, attitude, dental interns, conservative approach, incipient decay
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