Awareness of dental esthetics among dental students: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives Esthetics play a crucial role in dentistry, influencing personal perceptions of beauty and individual treatment preferences. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of dental esthetics among dental students. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at VSPM Dental College and Research Center, Nagpur, utilizing a pre-validated questionnaire distributed to approximately 300 undergraduate students and interns. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, satisfaction with dental esthetics, and awareness of cosmetic dentistry through yes/no questions on a Likert scale. Results The majority of students reported satisfaction with their smiles (67.3%) and teeth color (64%). Awareness of dental esthetics was notably high, with 96% recognizing the field of cosmetic dentistry. Students expressed that facial appearance significantly impacts self-confidence (65.3%) and relationships (31.3%). Despite high satisfaction rates, many (73.3%) had not sought dental treatment to improve esthetics. Conclusion This study highlights that dental esthetics are a significant concern for students, influencing their social interactions and self-esteem. Awareness of cosmetic dentistry is prevalent, underscoring the importance of esthetic considerations in dental education and practice.