Objective: to assess the current knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with research conducted among dental interns at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: We contacted all enrolled male and female interns and received their approval to participate in this self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire. Results: More than two-thirds (70%) of all interns strongly agree that adding a scientific research course during their undergraduate studies would increase their interest to conduct dental research in the future. The strongest association was with dental interns’ interest in pursuing higher education, which increases their interest in current research by 1.02 points (95%CI=0.48-1.57), and by 1.33 points for future research (95%CI=0.77, 1.89), respectively. Conclusions: Future changes in dental curriculum should consider incorporating research methods competency. It will equip students with the essential tools, enabling them to get a hands-on experience with a research mentor at an earlier stage of their education.
Keywords:- DENTAL EDUCATION
- dental research
- evidence-based dentistry
- Saudi Arabia