Knowledge and Practice of Orthodontists Regarding Prevention and Treatment of White Spot Lesions during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Course in Kurdistan Region-Iraq: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: White spot lesions (WSL) are considered the most frequent complication during fixed orthodontic treatment. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and practice levels of orthodontic professionals regarding the prevention and treatment of WSL in the Kurdistan region-Iraq. 
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a validated self–administered questionnaire among orthodontic professionals and dentists practicing orthodontics. The questionnaire included ten questions about the knowledge and nine for the practice with regard to the prevention and treatment of WSL. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann Whitney test. 
 Results: Sixty orthodontists and dentists practicing orthodontics participated in the study. Most participants (78.3%) had intermediate knowledge, and 66.7% recorded high practice scores. The knowledge and practice scores in female orthodontists and participants with postgraduate orthodontics degrees were significantly higher than in male orthodontists and those without a postgraduate degree (P = 0.0001). 
 Conclusions: Participants exhibited good knowledge and experience and good practice in the prevention and treatment of WSL. It is recommended to have special practice guidelines for the prevention of WSL.