Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding pharmacovigilance among final year dentistry students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To ensure patient safety, future dentists must be equipped with knowledge about adverse drug reaction reporting, having positive attitude and willingness to practice. This study evaluated the level of dental students’ knowledge, attitude and practice concerning pharmacovigillance and adverse drug reaction reporting. A cross-sectional survey carried out on Ajman University dental students in their final year. A validated, reliability tested (Cronbach alpha 0.813), close-ended, structured questionnaire to collect data which was distributed through Google Forms. There were four sections: demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, including Mann–Whitney U-test for demographic associations and multiple linear regressions (alpha = 0.05). One hundred fifty-two students completed the questionnaire. Knowledge regarding the PV and ADR reporting was limited. Only 48% ( n = 73) knew the PV’s definition and less than half 40.8% ( n = 62) knew the location of the national PV center in UAE. Encouraging attitude of students towards the inclusion of PV in their dental curriculum 58.4% ( n = 89), mandatory ADR reporting 52% ( n = 79), proper training on ADR reporting procedures 48.1% ( n = 73), and continuous education 56.5% ( n = 86). Low scores in the practice section, in which only 33.6% (n = 51) observed an ADR in the past year, 25% ( n = 38) reported an ADR, and 64.5% (n = 98) haven’t received training. The analysis revealed no statistically significant association between knowledge or attitude scores and students’ gender, age, or nationality. Male students reported slightly better ADR-related practices ( p < 0.026). Multiple linear regression showed age and gender as predictors of total practice scores ( p = 0.022 and p = 0.003, respectively), with no such predictors for knowledge and attitude scores. Though there was positive attitude among participants yet their knowledge and practice require attention and improvement. The study highlights enhancement of PV education and should be inclusive within their dental curricula. To enhance patients’ safety outcomes, future dentists must be prepared to engage in ADR reporting through training programs and increasing awareness.