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Background: Rubber dam isolation is globally mandated for endodontic procedures due to its proven role in enhancing treatment efficacy, patient safety, and infection control. The objective of the study is to investigate this paradigm in Saudi Arabia’s understudied southern region, where cultural and healthcare access factors may uniquely influence compliance.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, recruiting 208 consecutive patients requiring endodontic treatment at Jazan University’s dental clinics. Validated bilingual questionnaires assessed three domains: (1) Baseline awareness of rubber dams, (2) Attitudes (comfort, future preference), and (3)
Perceptions of benefits. Statistical analysis included descriptive frequencies, chi-square tests, and logistic regression (α=0.05).
Results: The cohort (55.3% male, 44.7% female) exhibited significant knowledge gaps: 55.8% (n=116) reported no prior exposure. Post-intervention, acceptance was remarkably high: 73.3% of first-time users (n=85/116) reported comfort, while 93.2% (n=109/116) preferred future use. Previously exposed patients (n=92) showed even
stronger endorsement (82.2% future preference). Critically, preoperative explanation was the paramount predictor of acceptance: Patients receiving explanations demonstrated 3.4× higher comfort levels (OR=5.2, 95% CI: 2.8–9.6; p<0.001).
Conclusions: The findings advocate for standardized patient education protocols (visual aids, culturally adapted messaging) to bridge knowledge gaps. Implementation strategies should target policy reforms (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties accreditation standards) and curriculum enhancements to align regional endodontic practice with international guidelines. The acceptance and use of rubber dam will advance patient safety, improve endodontic outcomes, and position Saudi dentistry at the forefront of evidence-based practice.