Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with combined dentition defect and non-functional impacted teeth toward tooth autotransplantation

Abstract Background Tooth autotransplantation (TAT) is a surgical procedure involving the extraction of a tooth from one location and its subsequent transplantation into another alveolar socket within the same individual. This innovative treatment approach holds significant promise. Nonetheless, the potential recipients exhibit a limited level of awareness and understanding of this procedure. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among patients with combined dentition defects and non-functional impacted teeth toward TAT. Methods This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023 at one hospital. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of the patients and assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward TAT. Results A total of 533 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.55 ± 2.38 (possible range: 0–10), 26.82 ± 2.46 (possible range, 8–40), and 27.45 ± 7.40 (possible range, 9–45), respectively. Conclusion The participants had insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and passive practices toward TAT. Targeted interventions should be implemented to improve the understanding and practice of TAT among patients with dentition defects.