PERCEPTION AND DECISION-MAKING IN DENTAL EDUCATION: AWARENESS OF DIRECT COMPOSITE AND SANDWICHED METHODS AMONG SAUDI STUDENTS

Background: Restoration of Class V cervical lesions presents unique challenges due to anatomical constraints, access difficulties, and material limitations. Dental students must be well-versed in different restorative techniques, including the direct composite method and the sandwiched method, to ensure effective clinical outcomes. However, there is limited research on students' knowledge, awareness, and perception of these methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two dental colleges in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, from May 2023 to January 2024. A total of 135 dental students and internship physicians participated. A structured questionnaire assessed their awareness and knowledge of the direct composite and sandwiched restoration methods. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Among participants, 46.7% were aware of the sandwiched method, while 83.7% were familiar with the direct composite technique. While 91.9% recognized polymerization shrinkage as a drawback of the direct composite method, only 37.8% identified improved bonding with composite as an advantage of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in the sandwiched technique. The primary reasons for Class V cervical lesion failures included proximity to crevicular fluid (35.6%) and poor adhesive properties (29.6%). Conclusion: The study indicates a gap in dental students' understanding of the sandwiched method and the benefits of RMGIC. Educational interventions are necessary to enhance knowledge and improve the clinical application of these techniques. Further research is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the sandwiched method in Class V cervical restorations.