Knowledge and Awareness of Serial Extraction Among a Group of Yemeni Dentists and Orthodontic Residents in Sana'a City

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study explored the knowledge and awareness of serial extraction among Yemeni general dentists and orthodontic residents in Sana'a City. It also looked at sociodemographic and professional factors that may be associated with the knowledge and awareness levels. The research was conducted on 473 participants (379 general dentists and 94 orthodontic residents). They were gathered from a census and convenience sampling. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was validated. It was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 28, both descriptively and inferentially. The average knowledge score was 5.56 ± 2.31 out of 10 (moderate level), whereas the average awareness score was 8.04 ± 2.44 out of 11 (high level). In total, 38.1% had a good understanding, while 79.7% raised awareness. The majority of the participants correctly understood the key concepts, for example, the right time to start and the best X-ray technique. However, the participants showed few technical skills, especially regarding cast analysis and Nance's extraction sequence. The knowledge and awareness of orthodontic residents were significantly higher than those of general dentists (p <.001). The graduation year and having a clinical work experience before were also significantly linked to getting higher scores. Knowledge and awareness were moderately positively correlated (r = 0.502, p < 0.001). Hence, it can be said that the detailed procedural knowledge of serial extraction is only at a moderate level even if the awareness is high. This is an indication that there is a need for improving undergraduate training and continuing professional development in interceptive orthodontics.