Knowledge and Awareness about Transdermal Drug Patches among Dental Students

Abstract

Transdermal delivery is a non-invasive route of drug administration through the skin surface that can deliver the drug at a predetermined rate across the dermis to achieve a local or systemic effect. It is potentially used as an alternative to oral routes of drugs and hypodermic injections. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of transdermal drug patches among dental students. A structured self-assessed online questionnaire having 15 questions on transdermal drug patches was prepared and distributed to the dental students who have clinical exposure including 3rd BDS, final BDS, interns, and postgraduates of all specialties. It was circulated using online software, survey planet, and the response was collected through it. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Considering the responses, it can be interpreted that the knowledge regarding transdermal drug patches is above average among dental students. Also, postgraduate students were more knowledgeable than undergraduate students. Interns showed more awareness than a third-year or final year undergraduate students. Educational workshops, conferences, and CDE’s are essential for both undergraduates and postgraduates to improve their knowledge regarding various transdermal drug patches and their adverse reactions.