Cariology Curriculum in Nigerian Dental Schools: A Baseline Survey of Teaching Practices

Abstract

Background: Dental caries remains a widely prevalent disease, affecting approximately 2.5 billion people and causing a significant public health burden despite a decline in many regions. Socioeconomic disparities and limited access to care emphasize the need for preventive strategies. The modern understanding of caries as a dynamic, biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven disease has led to a shift toward non-surgical management, risk assessment, early detection, and patient-centered care. This transition requires updates in dental curricula. However, there is currently no data on African cariology curricula. Given Nigeria’s documented burden of untreated caries and its substantial dental infrastructure, this study provides baseline data for future development of African cariology curricula.

Objectives: To investigate how cariology is taught in Nigerian dental schools—whether as a course or integrated topic—and identify participating departments. The study also explored faculty knowledge of core cariology curricula, diagnostic and management strategies, and implementation gaps.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via WhatsApp to Deans of all accredited Nigerian dental schools, who forwarded it to faculty involved in cariology teaching. Data from 20 respondents across nine schools (64.3% response rate) were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Most participants (75%) indicated that cariology is taught as a combined course, mainly within Restorative Dentistry (95%). While 60% knew the five domains of cariology, only 25% could list them. Visual–tactile and radiographic methods of caries detection were universally taught. The most common preventive strategy was diet modification (90%), while Glass Ionomer Cement restorations (90%) were the most common surgical intervention. Only 45% offered hands-on cariology workshops.

Conclusion: This first baseline study highlights knowledge gaps and the need for faculty development and standardized cariology curricula across Nigerian dental schools to align with global standards.