Assessment of the knowledge of biostatistics and the attitude toward evidence based practice among endodontic residents in the United States: a cross-sectional survey

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess (1) the knowledge of basic biostatistics among endodontic residents; (2) the effect of demographic and educational factors on the level of biostatistical knowledge; (3) the attitude of endodontic residents towards biostatistics and evidence based practice. ❧ Materials and methods: An anonymous electronic survey was distributed among currently enrolled endodontic residents nationwide. The survey instrument included three main sections: demographic and educational background, confidence and attitude, and a multiple choice question test on selected basic statistical concepts. ❧ Results: A total of 134 responses were analyzed with response rate (RR1) of 27.7%. The percentage of overall mean correct answers was 51.3% (SD: 17.3%). The majority of the participants (66%) thought that biostatistical knowledge is important for evidence-based practice. However, only 20% had high confidence in understanding statistical methods used in endodontic literature. The overall mean score for the biostatistics knowledge test was 51.3% (SD, 17.2; range, 22.2-88.9). Participants who were younger than 30 years of age and those who had statistical education during residency were more likely to have higher mean score. ❧ Conclusion: We found an overall limited knowledge in biostatistics among endodontic residents. Participants with recent statistical education demonstrated slightly favorable knowledge regardless of their gender, level of previous statistical education, academic degree, or having previous scientific publications.