DO PRE-GRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS HAVE ADEQUATE EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND ON THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF METHEMOGLOBINEMIA? A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: Without prompt and correct intervention, methemoglobinemia can be fatal. Because of its rarity, it is often impossible to increase the permanence of knowledge about methemoglobinemia with actual patient practice. The study aimed to investigate the theoretical knowledge of pregraduate dental students about methemoglobinemia. Material and Methods: In the cross-sectional study, a 15- question survey was administered face-to-face to 172 pregraduation students under the supervision of faculty members. Results: It was clearly observed that the students performed the relevant interrogations in the pre-procedural evaluation stage; however, they did not possess the required level of knowledge in detecting high-risk patients with methemoglobinemia. Students had adequate knowledge about basic acute symptoms such as cyanosis, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and brown coloration of bleeding. Regarding treatment, it was observed that only the level of knowledge about oxygen support and methylene blue was adequate. Although not in all parameters, women and 5 -grade students had higher levels of knowledge. Conclusion: Although the basic knowledge of the students was adequate in terms of pre-procedural evaluation, symptoms, and treatment, it should be improved. It was clearly seen that students were unable to make accurate determinations about high-risk situations when faced with options in the form of patient and clinical situation simulations. Although rare, when methemoglobinemia develops, the dentist should intervene immediately. Increasing the knowledge level of dental students about methemoglobinemia is vital to increase patient safety during dental procedures. It was considered that trainings with realistic simulations with the help of professional medical acting would be beneficial.