Evaluation of the knowledge levels of dentistry undergraduate students regarding sodium hypochlorite accidents and management

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of 4th- and 5th-year dental students about NaO-Cl accidents and the management options.
Methods: A questionnaire, which included 296 students, was conducted among 4th and 5th-year dental school students. The researcher conducted the data collection process face-to-face. The survey questions included multiple-choice questions about the factors that may cause NaOCl accidents, symptoms observed in the patient in accidents, and intervention methods against complications. The frequency, chi-square test was used for statistical analysis with Bonferroni correction.
Results: Regarding NaOCl accidents, 4th and 5th grade students were found to have a general awareness of the causes and prevention methods. The presence of preoperative pain and localized abscess have been regarded as factors increasing the risk of NaOCl extrusion. The respondents indicated sudden pain occurrence as the first symptom in NaOCl accidents and preferred to prescribe medication to the patient after NaOCl accident. After the NaOCl accident the majority of the respondents choose to recalling the patient for control and referring the patient to the relevant health institution when necessary.
Conclusion: The study determined that 4th and 5th grade students had general awareness about the causes and precautions of NaOCl accidents at similar levels. The 5th-grade students think they have more knowledge and confidence to intervene in NaOCl accidents than 4th-graders.