Abstract
BackgroundThere is limited data on Pakistani dental students perceived competence in managing orofacial pain (OFP). This study aims to evaluate dental students self-perceived competence regarding the management of orofacial pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi at randomly selected two public and four private dental schools. This survey was conducted online from November 2020 to December 2020 in six dental schools. A questionnaire link was sent to the 475 students. A chi-square test and independent-sample t-test were conducted to assess the frequency distribution and compare mean scores of knowledge, diagnosis, and management parameters.ResultsOf the 475 students, 280 students filled the online survey leaving a response rate of 59%. A significant number of fourth-year students, 65 (51%, p = 0.005), feels knowledgeable regarding neuropathic pain compared to third-year students. The majority of the fourth-year students, 100 (78%, p = 0.010), feel comfortable managing intraoral pain. Almost all the students reported thinking that they need more knowledge related to five types of OFP. The fourth-year students had high mean scores related to knowledge, comfort in diagnosing and managing OFP categories.ConclusionThis study found that dental students perceived competence regarding orofacial pain management varies in relation to specific categories, being lowest for psychogenic pain.
Highlights
There is limited data on Pakistani dental students perceived competence in managing orofacial pain (OFP)
The most common cause of orofacial pain is of odontogenic origin and comes under the domain of dental medicine and should not be a diagnostic-therapeutic challenge in itself
A significant number of fourth-year students, 65 (51%, p = 0.005), feels knowledgeable regarding neuropathic pain compared to third-year students
Summary
There is limited data on Pakistani dental students perceived competence in managing orofacial pain (OFP). This study aims to evaluate dental students self-perceived competence regarding the management of orofacial pain. The most common cause of orofacial pain is of odontogenic origin and comes under the domain of dental medicine and should not be a diagnostic-therapeutic challenge in itself. Non-odontogenic causes of orofacial pain include musculoskeletal, neuropathological diseases, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), neuralgias, ENT diseases, tumours, and neurovascular pain or psychiatric diseases [4, 5]. These conditions usually present overlapping signs and symptoms and present a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician who usually treats
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
