Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.5
Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Orthodontic Therapy Among Nurses and Dental Assistants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Sanja Vuckovic Hrkac
; Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Luka Simunovic
; Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Adriano Friganovic
; University of Applied Health Sciences Zagreb, Department of Nursing; Faculty of Health Studies University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing
Senka Mestrovic
; Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: Nurses and dental assistants play a critical
role in orthodontic care, supporting treatment delivery and
patient management. Although educational background has
been shown to influence attitudes toward dental procedures,
limited research has examined how education and clinical
exposure affect orthodontic treatment acceptance among
dental healthcare professionals.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted
among 62 nurses and dental assistants employed at the
Department of Dental Medicine, University Hospital Centre
Zagreb. Data were collected using an anonymous electronic
questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey
included demographic items, self-assessment questions,
and 16 knowledge-based questions assessing key concepts
in orthodontics. Group differences were analyzed using
nonparametric statistical tests, including the χ² test for
categorical variables.
Results: A statistically significant association was found
between educational qualifications and willingness to
undergo orthodontic therapy involving tooth extraction
(χ² = 14.477, df = 4, p = .006). Respondents with higher
educational levels demonstrated greater acceptance of
treatment when extractions were required.
Conclusions: Educational qualifications and clinical
exposure are significantly associated with attitudes toward
orthodontic therapy among nurses and dental assistants.
Higher levels of education appear to increase acceptance
of invasive orthodontic procedures, highlighting the
importance of targeted educational strategies within dental
healthcare teams.
Keywords
Orthodontic therapy; nurses; dental assistants; attitudes; knowledge
Hrčak ID:
349703
URI
Publication date:
31.5.2026.
Visits: 2 *