Phytotherapy in dentistry: assessment of knowledge, awareness and the applications of phytotherapy among undergraduate dental students – a cross sectional survey

Background: The integration of phytotherapy into healthcare practices has gained substantial attention in recent years. In the realm of dentistry, the exploration of herbal products and their potential applications has become a subject of growing interest. Herbal remedies have been traditionally used for oral care in various cultures, and their potential benefits are increasingly acknowledged in contemporary dental care. Aim: This survey aims to assess dental students' knowledge and awareness of phytotherapy in dentistry, an area of increasing interest due to the traditional use and potential benefits of herbal remedies for oral health. Material and Methods: A survey using a 15-question questionnaire was conducted to assess students' experience, information sources, awareness of herbal toothpaste, opinions on curriculum inclusion, and interest in prescribing herbal products. Results: A total of 260 students participated in the survey (20.38% male, 79.61% female) 94.23% were aware of herbal products in dentistry and 62.7% had used them, primarily learning about them through media and elders. While 72.1% had observed family members using herbal products, only 10.85% reported side effects. A significant number were interested in learning more about herbal products (90.1%) and favoured their inclusion in the curriculum (94.42%). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found regarding observed side effects, interest in prescribing, and opinions on curriculum inclusion. Conclusions: This survey reveals that while most dental students are aware of and have used herbal products, their knowledge is primarily sourced from media and family, highlighting a need for more formal education. Therefore, the dental curriculum should incorporate comprehensive, evidence-based information on herbal products to equip future dentists with the knowledge to critically evaluate and appropriately integrate herbal remedies into their practice.