Awareness of Anaphylaxis Reaction to Local Anaesthetic Drugs among Dental Students- a Cross Sectional Study

Aim: The aim of the study was to determinee the knowledge of dental students about signs, symptoms and management of anaphylaxis reaction to local anaesthetic drugs. Materials and Method: The study was designed with a pretested interviewer questionnaire containing 14 questions related to anaphylaxis to local anaesthesia in a private dental college. The interns and the postgraduates were randomly selected to complete the questionnaire. Results: Although all attendants knew one or more symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis but none of them marked all options related to anaphylaxis. The recommended practise of administration of epinephrine using the IM route was similar to the others studies. However, some dentists did not know the importance of this. Conclusion: The oral cavity is always prone to exposure to variety of sensitizing agents. Anaphylaxis is one of the rare clinical effects specifically related to local anaesthesia leading to morbidity and mortality. Adverse reactions to medications which are administered during treatment in dental practice is a source of worry. There is very less literature determining the knowledge of dental students about anaphylaxis reaction to local anaesthesia.