Abstract
Rubber dams are essential for dental procedures, ensuring isolation, patient safety, and better work efficiency for dentists. However, their use is often limited by challenges such as difficulty in application, time constraints, and inadequate training. This study aimed to assess the attitudes, knowledge, practices, and challenges to rubber dam use during among dentists in Tripoli, Libya. A cross-sectional online survey involving 165 dentists was conducted using a validated 26-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chisquare tests, with significance set at p <0.05. Results showed that 67.9% of dentists had access to rubber dams, but only 64.8% used them. Lack of training during undergraduate studies was reported by 61.2%, and 42.4% identified inadequate training as the main barrier. Significant association were found between rubber dam use and gender, place of work, prior training, and years of practice. Although dentists expressed positive attitudes toward rubber dam use, barriers such as insufficient training, radiographic procedures, and time constraints hindered regular application. Enhanced training programs could improve acceptance rates.