Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices Regarding Potentially Hazardous Dental Products Among the Dentists in Afghanistan
Keywords: Afghanistan, Attitudes, Dentists, Knowledge, Practice, Surveys
Basheer Ahmad Habib
Abstract
Certain dental medicaments with known toxic or carcinogenic potential, such as arsenic trioxide, based devitalizing pastes and formaldehyde-containing compounds continue to be used in some developing countries, including Afghanistan. These substances resulted serious health risks to patients and practitioners. This study assessed Afghan dentists’ knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding these dental products. In 2025, a cross-sectional survey of 423 dentists was conducted using a structured questionnaire on knowledge, awareness and practice. The study was conducted between June and September 2025 in 7 provinces. The participants were selected by convenience, non-probability sampling method. The findings of the study were summarized using descriptive statistics. 268 (64%) respondents reported using an arsenic- or formaldehyde-based paste, 281 (67%) used Cresophene, and 147 (35%) used formocresol in practice. However, awareness of the associated health risks was limited, only 251 (60%) recognised arsenic and just 101 (24%) knew that formocresol was carcinogenic. Over one-third, 147 (35%), had observed complications such as persistent tissue necrosis from these products. 230 (55%) were unaware of official bans or warnings against their use. The reasons cited for continued use were lack of awareness, 293 (70%); easy access and low cost of the products, 210 (50%); and insufficient regulation, 184 (44%). Encouragingly, 314 (75%) indicated that they would discontinue these materials if safer alternatives were accessible, and the majority recommended better education and stricter regulation to curb usage. The survey reveals a significant gap in knowledge and safety practices regarding toxic dental products among Afghan dentists in Afghanistan 2025.
