Authors
- Sanja Vučković Hrkac – Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Luka Šimunović – Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Adriano Friganović – University of Applied Health Sciences Zagreb, Department of Nursing, Zagreb, Croatia
- Senka Meštrović – Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.5
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Background: Nurses and dental assistants play a critical role in orthodontic care, supporting treatment delivery and patient management. Although educational background has been shown to influence attitudes toward dental procedures, limited research has examined how education and clinical exposure affect acceptance of orthodontic treatment among dental healthcare professionals.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 62 nurses and dental assistants employed at the Department of Dental Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb. Data were collected using an anonymous electronic questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey included demographic items, self-assessment questions, and 16 knowledge-based questions assessing key concepts in orthodontics. Group differences were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests, including the χ² test for categorical variables.
Results: A statistically significant association was found between educational qualifications and willingness to undergo orthodontic therapy involving tooth extraction (χ² = 14.477, df = 4, p = .006). Respondents with higher educational levels demonstrated greater acceptance of treatment when extractions were required.
Conclusions: Educational qualifications and clinical exposure are significantly associated with attitudes toward orthodontic therapy among nurses and dental assistants. Higher levels of education appear to increase acceptance of more invasive orthodontic procedures, highlighting the importance of targeted educational strategies within dental healthcare teams.
Keywords:
Orthodontic therapy, nurses, dental assistants, attitudes, knowledge.