Factors influencing the dentist’s decision to propose a tooth autotransplantation in the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University

Abstract

Objectives: To study factors which influence a dentist’s decision to propose the Tooth Autotransplantation (AT). Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 dentists between January and March 2021. A questionnaire comprised demographic characteristics, unprimed scenario, primed scenario, reasoning behind decisions, experience, and knowledge of AT. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, McNemar’s test, and multiple logistic regression. Results: The respondents comprised 73 females and 26 males with a mean age of 30.84 ± 6.238 years. In the unprimed scenario, there were significant associations between fields of expertise, experience, knowledge of current indications, outcomes, and the benefits of AT with the dentists' decision to propose AT, whereas in the primed scenario, experience in proposing AT, knowledge of follow-ups, and outcomes were significant. Respondents with experience in the proposing AT were 9.592 times more likely to propose AT in the unprimed scenario, a value which tripled once primed. Conclusions: Dentist-related factors are significantly associated with the dentist’s decision to propose AT. To adjust to the correct attitude towards tooth autotransplantation, proper tooth autotransplantation lessons should be developed in the future for dental students at both graduate and postgraduate levels.