Knowledge and Awareness of Anaphylaxis Among Intern Dental Students in Pediatric Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

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Aim: Intern dental students may encounter anaphylaxis during their clinical training, which can pose a significant risk to patient safety. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of intern dental students regarding anaphylaxis in the context of clinical practice in pediatric dentistry.Material and Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among fourth- and fifth-year intern dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, during the 2022–2023 academic year. A 15-item online questionnaire was administered to students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study to evaluate their knowledge and awareness of anaphylaxis. The collected data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.Results: A total of 159 students (93%) aged between 22 and 25 years participated in this study. Among the survey participants, 6.3% reported having experienced an anaphylactic reaction during dental treatment, while 59.1% stated that they had received training in anaphylaxis management. A total of 99.4% of students recognized anaphylaxis as a life-threatening condition. When evaluating the effect of gender on the knowledge scores, the mean score for both female and male was found to be 3.7 ± 1.5, with no statistically significant difference (p > .05). However, students who had received anaphylaxis training scored significantly higher (4.0 ± 1.1) compared to those without training (3.24 ± 1.8; p < .001).Conclusion: Intern dental students demonstrated strong theoretical awareness of anaphylaxis; however, gaps remain in their practical knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended that dental curricula incorporate educational programs designed to enhance practical skills alongside theoretical instruction.