Evaluation of Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Education in Turkey by Specialty and PhD Students

Aim: Aim of our study is to evaluate pediatric dentistry education in Turkey by directing survey questions prepared considering the educational curriculum to specialization and doctoral students receiving education in different faculties. Material and Metod: Questions prepared in accordance with the core curriculum of pediatric dentistry education published in 2021 were sent to specialization and doctoral students studying at different universities in Turkey via Google Forms. A total of 100 surveys were collected and the responses were statistically analyzed. Result: Mostly "sufficient" responses were obtained to the questions related to the content of pediatric dentistry education. It was determined that the vast majority of the participants did not participate in scientific research. When asked about their proficiency in theoretical topics within the pediatric dentistry curriculum, they received the least responses for sedation in dental treatments, odontogenic infections and surgical treatment approaches, and minor orthodontic treatment applications, respectively. When asked about the clinical treatment practices they perform, they received the least responses for sedation in dental treatments, zirconium crown applications, and permanent tooth extractions, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, when the responses are evaluated, it can be concluded that the pediatric dentistry education process and content in Turkey are conducted in accordance with the curriculum, but it is necessary to encourage the participation of specialization and doctoral students in academic studies. The content of pediatric dentistry education and clinical practices in Turkey should be evaluated in detail with new studies, and efforts should be made to improve the pediatric dentistry education content focusing on areas perceived as lacking. Keyword: Survey, Pedodontics, Curriculum for Pedodontic Education.