Exploring Knowledge and Self-Perception about Esthetic Dentistry Among Undergraduate Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study is designed to explore the level of knowledge and self-perception related to esthetic dentistry among undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out amongst 2nd, 3rd & 4th year BDS students excluding 1st year students and House officers, in a private and a public dental college Lahore. A sample size of 272 participants was calculated using a non-probability convenience sampling technique with 5% level of significance, 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. A structured and previously validated questionnaire was shared electronically, participation was voluntary, and consentience was obtained. Data was processed via a statistical software package. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and the Chi-square test was applied to examine associations between knowledge, self-perception and demographic characteristics. Results: In terms of curricular exposure among subjects’ response regarding knowledge about esthetic dentistry, gender differences were statistically significant for the coverage of the natural layering technique (p = 0.04) and for micro, macro, and mega abrasion concepts (p = 0.04). The gender difference across self-perception questions was statistically significant for the question “Are you afraid that other people can make offensive remarks regarding your teeth?”, where females expressed a greater concern than males (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, students viewed their dental esthetics positively. While gender and academic level did not strongly influence satisfaction, female students appeared more sensitive to social feedback.