DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2023.v10i06.001

Pages: 113-120

Background: The present survey aimed to assess self-perception and apprehension towards orthodontic treatment and knowledge about the ongoing trend of clear aligners among undergraduate dental students and interns. Material and Methods: A web-based survey and the questionnaires consisted of 23 questions which were sent to 249 dental students studying at HKES’s Nijalingappa dental college Gulbarga through google Forms. Results: A total of 249 students participated in this study out of which 204 females and 45 were males. 103 were interns and 146 were undergraduate students. chi-square test was used to evaluate the responses of dental students. The results showed that females were more enlightened about the aligner therapy than their male peer group and were more prone to choose aligners as the treatment of choice. Among undergraduates and interns, interns were well-versed regarding the aligner therapy and the treatment that could be carried out using the aligners. Conclusion: Study concluded that Dental students and interns had a good knowledge about aligners and positive attitude towards orthodontic treatment. Even though aligners are cost effective, majority of Dental students preferred aligners as it gives aesthetic appearance over conventional fixed appliance with females being more aware of the same.