Assessment of the knowledge of Algerian dentists and dental students in orofacial pain field

Abstract

Introduction: Dentists are the primary healthcare providers for patients with orofacial pain. This study aimed to assess the level of  knowledge of dental physicians and dental students in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain.

Methods: We carried out a cross- sectional study using two online questionnaires distributed between May 10 and July 10, 2021. We included dentist students and dentists  practicing in any public or private establishment in Algeria. The data collected was coded and introduced in Excel software.

Results: A  total of 150 dentists and 303 students participated in the study. The majority of dentists reported a higher frequency of  temporomandibular disorders (30%) compared to other orofacial pain. The dentists’ overall knowledge score was 41.25%. Knowledge, in  terms of diagnosis, was judged average with a score of 47.2%. Knowledge of etiologies and treatment was low (14.3% and 35.4%  respectively). Few dentists refer patients to pain specialists for pain with no noticeable cause. Regarding students, the overall knowledge score was 39%. For diagnosis, the score was intermediate (42.6%) and poor for etiologies and treatment; 36.95%, 17.5% respectively.    

Conclusion: The current study revealed a low level of knowledge among dentists and dental students in the field of orofacial pain. This is  at the origin of diagnostic wandering and sometimes invasive, costly and unnecessary interventions delaying appropriate management.  University and postgraduate training on orofacial pain is necessary to ameliorate practitioners knowledge.