MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving final-year dental students from all accredited dental institutions across Malaysia. A self-constructed questionnaire was given through an identified personal contact from each school. The students' responses on the association of sex and institution type with the satisfaction of education activities and ICDAS and ICCMS knowledge were tested using the independent t-test. The relationship between satisfaction of educational activities and knowledge of ICDAS and ICCMS among dental students was evaluated using Spearman's correlation analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 440 responses were obtained. Out of this, 312 (70.9%) were female and 126 (28.6%) were male respondents, and 2 with unknown sex. There were 231 responses (52.5%) from the private institution and 209 responses (47.5%) from the government institution. Males had a higher level of satisfaction toward the education activities. No significant difference was observed between the knowledge of ICCMS and ICDAS and sex or institution type.

CONCLUSION: Male dental students felt more satisfied with pediatric lectures conducted during preclinical years and were more prepared to treat patients independently upon graduation. Sex and type of institution did not play a role in the knowledge and dental students were more knowledgeable in ICDAS compared to ICCMS.