Knowledge, attitudes, practices and clinical preparedness regarding porcelain laminate veneers among dental interns

BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION, vol.26, pp.1526, 2026 (Scopus)

Publication Type: Article / Article
Volume: 26
Publication Date: 2026
Doi Number: 10.1186/s12909-026-09863-8
Journal Name: BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
Journal Indexes: Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed
Page Numbers: pp.1526
Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes

Background In recent years, increasing aesthetic expectations have led to a growing demand for porcelain laminate

veneer treatments. This study aims to address a gap in the literature by evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and

practices of undergraduate dental students regarding porcelain laminate veneers, within the context of updated

dental curricula, thereby providing insight into their current level of theoretical understanding and clinical

preparedness.

Methods This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of final-year students from

the Faculty of Dentistry at Atatürk University. A total of 150 students were invited to participate; those who agreed

and completed the questionnaire in full were administered a KAP-based survey adapted for porcelain laminate veneer

applications.

Results A total of 134 dental interns participated in the study, of whom 61.9% were female and 38.1% were male.

Based on objective assessments, the level of theoretical knowledge was found to be high, with correct response

rates ranging between 85% and 94% for many items; however, lower success rates were observed in technically

demanding aspects, such as cement thickness effects on shade selection (28.4%) and preparation classifications

(45.5%). Subjective evaluations revealed limited clinical experience and self-confidence; notably, only 32.1% of

participants had encountered a laminate veneer case in clinical practice. While no significant difference was found in

theoretical knowledge levels by gender (p = 0.083), male participants demonstrated significantly higher self-perceived

clinical confidence scores compared to females (p = 0.024). A weak negative correlation was observed between

objective knowledge scores and self-perceived clinical confidence scores (r = -0.201, p = 0.020).

Conclusions Despite a high level of theoretical knowledge among dental interns, this theoretical knowledge

was not reflected in students’ self-perceived clinical preparedness and confidence. Furthermore, a weak negative

correlation was identified between objective knowledge and self-perceived clinical confidence scores, suggesting

these constructs are related but distinct. These findings highlight the need to strengthen simulation-based training,

clinical case exposure, and complication management within undergraduate prosthodontic education.

Keywords Laminate veneer, Knowledge, Practice, Attitude, Students, Questionnaire