Evaluating the knowledge of general dentists regarding smile aesthetic indices in Isfahan

Background: With a proper understanding of smile esthetic indices and criteria, dentists can provide patients withthe best diagnosis and treatment plan or refer them to relevant specialists. Thus, This study aimed to evaluate theknowledge of general dentists in Isfahan regarding smile aesthetic indices and criteria.Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study a questionnaire was administered to ۱۰۵ generaldentists in Isfahan City, consisting of questions about demographics, awareness of smile aesthetics indicators, and theimpact of training and occupational therapy on their knowledge. The questionnaire included ۱۱ pictures of smiles, eachwith a single beauty indicator that varied from ideal, with options for desired indicators listed for each photo. The datawas analyzed using T-tests and Mann-Whitney statistical tests (α=۰.۰۵).Results: The results showed that the level of knowledge about smile esthetic indices among general dentists was varied.Among participants, ۵۶.۲% and ۱.۰% showed the highest and lowest level of knowledge, respectively. Age showed areverse relation to knowledge (P=۰.۰۴۰, r= -۰.۲۰۱) even though no correlation between gender and beauty retrainingcourses to knowledge was found (p > ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: The level of knowledge of dentists participating in the study of smile esthetic indices was good.