Exploring the ambiguity in the anatomical terminology among Dental professionals
1
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
14726920
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85201791539
Pubmed ID
39174952
Journal Title
BMC Medical Education
Volume
24
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC Medical Education Vol.24 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Chotvorrarak K., Arayapisit T., Matthayomnan L., Thampibul P., Gaewkhiew P. Exploring the ambiguity in the anatomical terminology among Dental professionals. BMC Medical Education Vol.24 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1186/s12909-024-05878-1 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/100650
Title
Exploring the ambiguity in the anatomical terminology among Dental professionals
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Background: Anatomical terms in medical literature have been used with varying meanings, leading to confusion in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the ambiguity of anatomical terms in clinical dentistry. Methods: Dentists who have undergone specialised training with at least one year of clinical experience were recruited to participate in the study. They were requested to localize specific terms on a skull and provide explanations based on their experience or opinion. All data were recorded, and then descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Seventy-eight participating dentists gave their consent and were eligible to study. For each anatomical term presented to dentists at least two meanings were provided, with some terms having up to eight interpretations. While most meanings were consistent with medical or dental literature, some responses revealed new interpretations not documented in textbooks. Conclusions: Dentists expressed anatomical terms with diverse meanings, possibly influenced by their various subspecialties. It is crucial to acknowledge this variability to prevent confusion. Emphasizing the consistent use of anatomical terms among dental professionals in the future is essential.