EVALUATION OF DENTISTRY STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ON PLATELET RICH FIBRIN

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix in which platelet cytokines, growth factors and cells are retained, released after a certain time, possibly acting as an absorbable membrane. The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge, awareness, and clinical practice of PRF techniques among dental students. Materials and methods: The study was done in an online setting among the dental students of Turkey. The sample included 132 students (82 in the 5th grade and 50 in the 4th grade), all belonging to the age group 20-23 years. The questionnaire covered general basic information and assessed the knowledge and awareness of dental students regarding the PRF technique in dentistry. Results and discussion: 92% of the persons participating in the study were aware of the term PRF, and also that the awareness of women and of 5th grade students about PRF was statistically significantly higher than in the other groups, while among all participants there was insufficient knowledge and awareness about the advantages of PRF over PRP, types of PRF, T-PRF and I-PRF. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be recommended to expand the training curriculum about PRF and organize more courses, conferences, workshops and seminars, to grant that the advantages of PRF can be used effectively and to increase its awareness among dental students.