Evaluating Dentists' Understanding of Dry Mouth Management: An International Cross‐Sectional Study
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Studying dentists' knowledge of dry mouth management is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and oral health. This study aimed to evaluate their knowledge and awareness of dry mouth and its predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pre-validated online survey was administered to a convenience sample of dentists across six countries. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge in various domains, including predisposing factors, diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and management of dry mouth. RESULTS: A total of 884 dentists participated. Knowledge and awareness of dry mouth management varied significantly between countries (p < 0.05). Overall, 34.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, while 53.7% had moderate knowledge. Regarding management awareness, 55.4% had good awareness and 35.5% had moderate awareness. A majority (69.2%) showed good knowledge of common signs, symptoms, and consequences of dry mouth. Significant predictors of better knowledge and awareness included the country of practice and attendance at continuing education courses on dry mouth. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that dentists in the surveyed countries require improved education on dry mouth and its management. Dental educators and healthcare planners can use this data to design targeted continuing education activities to enhance knowledge and awareness of dry mouth.
Source: Oral Diseases
DOI: 10.1111/odi.15176
Institutions: Dar Al Uloom University, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Aljazeera Hospital, Al Wataniya Private University, Al-Azhar University, King Saud University, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Kannur Dental College, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Inaya Medical Colleges, The University of Western Australia
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4404016594