Knowledge Level of Dental Professional Students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Religious) Regarding Black Stain in Children

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Study Reveals Dental Students Need Better Training on Harmless Tooth Discoloration Lowering Cavity Risk in Children. A new study published in July 2026 reveals that clinical dental students at Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) possess a moderate overall understanding of black stain in children, yet harbor significant misconceptions regarding its genetic and dietary root causes. The research, conducted in November 2025 by Dr. Dwi Ariani, Dr. Annisa Septalita, and Dr. Refky Arya Prasetya from Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) in Jakarta, Indonesia, evaluates how future dentists diagnose and manage this harmless dark pigmentation. While black stain often causes alarm for parents due to its dark appearance, it is medically benign and paradoxically linked to lower rates of tooth decay in pediatric patients. The authors emphasize that tageted educational updates are essential to ensure young practitioners avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and deliver accurate reassurance to families.

The Clinical and Social Challenge of Black Stain
Black stain presents as dark brown or black lines and dots along the gumline on children's primary or permanent teeth. Although non-pathological, these extrinsic deposits adhere firmly to tooth enamel, making them impossible to remove with standard home brushing. Consequently, parents frequently misinterpret the dark marks as severe decay or poor oral hygiene, leading to anxiety and unnecessary dental visits. Beyond the cosmetic burden and potential impact on a child's confidence, black stain holds a unique biological role: children with black stain consistently exhibit lower rates of dental caries (cavities). Because dental clinical students serve on the front lines of pediatric care in university clinics and community health centers, assessing their diagnostic accuracy is critical for public health education and evidence-based practice.

How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers implemented a descriptive observational study utilizing a cross-sectional design at Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) in Jakarta. Data was collected in November 2025 using a validated online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms.

• Study Participants: A sample of 198 clinical dental professional students (mahasiswa profesi kedokteran gigi) participated out of a total population of 387 students.
  
• Survey Scope: The questionnaire evaluated four core areas: demographic background, diagnostic prevalence, risk factor identification, and treatment and prevention strategies.
  
• Scoring Metrics: Knowledge levels were classified based on total correct answers into three tiers: Good (76–100%), Moderate (56–75%), and Low ($\le$56%).
  

Key Research Findings
The overall knowledge score across all participants averaged 68.48%, placing the general performance of the student cohort in the "moderate" category.

Knowledge Tier	Number of Students (n)	Percentage (%)
Good (76–100%)	70	35.35%
Moderate (56–75%)	86	43.43%
Low ($\le$56%)	42	21.21%

Core Insights and Misconceptions

• Protective Link Recognized: 68.7% of respondents correctly identified black stain as a potential protective factor against early childhood caries.
  
• Bacterial Etiology: 73.7% accurately recognized that specific chromogenic bacteria, such as Actinomyces species, interact with salivary iron to form insoluble ferric sulfide deposits.
  
• Primary Age Demographics: 54.5% of students correctly observed that black stain is most frequently diagnosed in primary school children aged 6 to 12 years.
  
• Major Misconception on Genetics: 65.1% of students failed to answer correctly regarding genetic risk factors, demonstrating widespread uncertainty about how hereditary traits influence plaque composition and saliva chemistry.
  
• Confusion Over Iron-Rich Foods: 50.51% misconstrued direct dietary intake of iron-rich foods (such as spinach or soy sauce) as a direct primary risk factor, rather than understanding it as an indirect chemical contributor dependent on specific bacterial presence.
  

Real-World Impact and Recommendations
The findings highlight a clear opportunity to refine dental education and clinical training protocols. Because black stain is not an infectious disease or an active cavity, treatment must remain minimally invasive. Professional cleaning using prophylaxis paste and prophy cups or scaling is sufficient to remove the stain, while antibiotics or aggressive restoration are entirely unwarranted. Updating dental school curricula to emphasize the biochemical and microbiological mechanisms of oral biofilms will better prepare future dentists. Improved training ensures that clinicians can confidently reassure parents, avoid overtreatment, and focus on routine preventive care.

Researcher Profiles
Dr. Dwi Ariani, M.Si.: Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama), specializing in pediatric dentistry and dental public health.
Dr. Annisa Septalita, MDSc.: Faculty Member at Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama), focusing on clinical dental education and preventive dentistry.
Dr. Refky Arya Prasetya: Researcher at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama), specializing in oral microbiology and community dental care.

Source

Dwi Ariani, Annisa Septalita, Refky Arya Prasetya. Tingkat Pengetahuan Mahasiswa Profesi Kedokteran Gigi di Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Prof. Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) Mengenai Black Stain Pada Anak-Anak. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS). Vol. 5, No. 7, Tahun 2026 (Penelitian dilaksanakan November 2025).
DOI : https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i7.76
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas