Research Article

Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments

Volume: 29 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
TR EN

Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, frequency of use, reasons for use, difficulties encountered, and post-graduation usage expectations of fourth- and fifth-year dental students in Turkey regarding the use of rubber-dam in endodontic treatments. Materials and Methods: 1,089 dental students voluntarily participated in a survey-based study after providing informed consent via an online form. The survey consisted of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions designed to collect demographic information, assess knowledge and the frequency of rubber dam use, determine reasons for use, evaluate encountered difficulties, and measure post-graduation usage expectations. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Frequency and percentage distributions were calculated, and Fisher's Exact and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used for inter-group comparisons. Results: The study revealed that the vast majority of students are aware of the necessity of rubber dam for both dentists and patients, and that they trust this method and feel comfortable with it. Most students (75%) have received formal rubber dam training. The findings also showed that use frequency varies by tooth group, with molars used more frequently than anterior and premolars. Stress levels during application were higher for molars due to technical difficulties. Students showed a higher preference for rubber dam use after access cavity preparation compared to the preoperative stage. The main difficulties mentioned were taking periapical radiographs and treating teeth with extensive substance loss. Conclusions: The high post-graduation usage expectation (77.1%) reflects a positive outlook toward the adoption of contemporary endodontic practices. To support wider adoption, dental curricula should standardize and strengthen both theoretical and practical training in rubber-dam techniques.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Bursa Uludag University Health Research Ethics Committee on February 24, 2025, with decision number 47-2025-493/4-15.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Endodontics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

February 22, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 29 Number: 3

APA
Bozkurt, D. A., Doğanay Yıldız, E., & Akpınar, K. E. (2026). Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal, 29(3), 458-464. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1895061
AMA
1.Bozkurt DA, Doğanay Yıldız E, Akpınar KE. Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026;29(3):458-464. doi:10.7126/cumudj.1895061
Chicago
Bozkurt, Durmuş Alperen, Ezgi Doğanay Yıldız, and Kerem Engin Akpınar. 2026. “Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29 (3): 458-64. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1895061.
EndNote
Bozkurt DA, Doğanay Yıldız E, Akpınar KE (September 1, 2026) Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29 3 458–464.
IEEE
[1]D. A. Bozkurt, E. Doğanay Yıldız, and K. E. Akpınar, “Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments”, Cumhuriyet Dent J, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 458–464, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.7126/cumudj.1895061.
ISNAD
Bozkurt, Durmuş Alperen - Doğanay Yıldız, Ezgi - Akpınar, Kerem Engin. “Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 29/3 (September 1, 2026): 458-464. https://doi.org/10.7126/cumudj.1895061.
JAMA
1.Bozkurt DA, Doğanay Yıldız E, Akpınar KE. Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026;29:458–464.
MLA
Bozkurt, Durmuş Alperen, et al. “Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments”. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal, vol. 29, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 458-64, doi:10.7126/cumudj.1895061.
Vancouver
1.Durmuş Alperen Bozkurt, Ezgi Doğanay Yıldız, Kerem Engin Akpınar. Attitudes of Dental Faculty Students Towards Rubber-Dam Usage in Endodontic Treatments. Cumhuriyet Dent J. 2026 Sep. 1;29(3):458-64. doi:10.7126/cumudj.1895061

Cumhuriyet Dental Journal (Cumhuriyet Dent J, CDJ) is the official publication of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry. CDJ is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancement of dentistry. The aim of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of dentistry. First issue of the Journal of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry was published in 1998. In 2010, journal's name was changed as Cumhuriyet Dental Journal. Journal’s publication language is English.


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