Minamata Convention on Mercury: An online survey on knowledge and attitude towards restorative practice among dental students and dental interns in Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude towards the Minamata Convention on Mercury (MCOM) and its influence on restorative practice among Bachelor of Dental Surgery interns and final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students in Kenya
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey
Setting: Two dental schools in Kenya – University of Nairobi and Moi University
Participants: Dental interns recently graduated from and final-year students training in the two dental schools
Main outcome measures: Descriptive summaries of knowledge and attitude towards the MCOM and its influence on restorative practice
Results: From a population of 104, 88 responses were received (62, 70.5% - Nairobi and 26, 29.5% - Moi) of which 41 (46.6%) were final-year students (28, 31.8% - Nairobi, 13, 14.8% - Moi) and 47 (53.4%) were dental interns (34, 38.6% - Nairobi, 13, 14.8% - Moi). Most respondents (72.3% interns and 78.1% students) were aware of the MCOM and its aim. All had obtained undergraduate training on placement of posterior composites and dental amalgam, and most (95.7% interns, 95.1% students) were confident doing so. Most (61.7% interns, 43.9% students) stated that the MCOM was mentioned without emphasis on the phase down and their undergraduate training on amalgam alternatives was intended to enhance skills but not to replace amalgam. Most felt dental amalgam alternatives were adequate and supported the idea of ‘amalgam-free’ dentistry.
Conclusion: Most respondents were aware of the MCOM, obtained undergraduate training on posterior composite restorations and supported ‘amalgam free’ dentistry; however, they opined that the country is economically unprepared for implementation.