ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the training, clinical experience, and attitudes related to oral biopsy among dental students from Latin America. Materials and Methods The study included 326 final‐year dental students from universities in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. Participants completed a structured, anonymous 35‐item online questionnaire addressing demographic data, exposure to oral biopsy procedures, self‐perceived knowledge and skills, and attitudes towards biopsy practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon test, with a significance level of 5%. Results Most students reported having received formal theoretical training in oral biopsy (89.9%). Only 53.4% had performed at least one biopsy during their undergraduate studies, with excisional biopsies being the most common. Despite a high level of agreement regarding the relevance of oral biopsy to clinical practice ( p < 0.001), students demonstrated low self‐confidence in performing incisional and excisional biopsies ( p < 0.001 for both), particularly in lesions suspected of malignancy ( p < 0.001). Prior practical experience was significantly associated with higher levels of confidence and more favorable attitudes towards performing biopsies ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Oral biopsy training among Latin American dental students is heterogeneous and largely theoretical, with limited practical experience contributing to reduced diagnostic autonomy and clinical confidence.
Maia‐Lima et al. (Thu,) studied this question.