Abstract
AIM AND BACKGROUND: The dental probe is a commonly used instrument for the visuotactile examination of teeth in the diagnosis of caries, periodontal conditions, etc., and also for the removal of debris. Due to its sharp end and invasive nature, its use is controversial in children. A study was conducted to assess the acceptance of dental college staff and students for a novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and validated to record the responses pertaining to several considerations for the replacement of the dental probe and acceptance of the novel tool from the staff and clinical students of two departments (Oral Medicine and Pediatric Dentistry) of a private dental college and hospital. RESULTS: Both staff and clinical students of two departments indicated acceptance for the use of the novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe with reference to several parameters. In the interdepartmental comparison, the staff and students of pediatric dentistry preferred the novel tool compared to those of Oral Medicine, and in the interdesignational comparison, students preferred the novel tool to replace the dental probe more than the staff [assessed using the mean and standard deviation (SD) acceptance using t-test with significance <0.05]. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe has potential for acceptance and can be recommended for further use and more research. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe can help dentistry present in a less invasive and more attractive manner. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jawdekar AM, Walhekar AD, Mistry LN, et al. Acceptance of Staff and Students of a Private Dental College for a Novel Diagnostic Tool to Replace the Dental Probe: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(1):86-90.