Assessing dentistry students' knowledge of clinical dental management for autistic patients: A cross-sectional study at a public university in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Introduction/Aim. Evaluating dental students' grasp on managing dental care for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is paramount for effective treatment. The aim of the paper was to assess the understanding of dental students at a public university in northeastern Brazil about managing dental care for patients with ASD. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, two meticulously designed questionnaires were utilized, targeting students from the fifth to the tenth period. The first questionnaire explored sociodemographic details, while the second assessed knowledge about the subject. The second questionnaire was divided into two sections: the first focused on the definition, diagnosis, and related comorbidities of ASD, and the second examined its impact on oral health, dental management, and oral manifestations. Statistical analysis involved the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, maintaining a 5% significance level. The analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software, version 20. Results. Ninety-eight questionnaires were analyzed, revealing an average age of students of 22.68 years (SD ± 3.03). The majority were female (69.4%) and identified as white (46.9%). The majority of participants (53.1%) attended public high schools before enrolling in university, and the majority (60.2%) had no prior exposure to the topic. No significant differences were observed between the course periods in relation to general knowledge about dental management for autistic patients (p = 0.952). Public high school students were more likely to correctly answer questions related to priority treatment routines (p = 0.014), while those familiar with the topic before university had a higher likelihood of answering questions concerning pharmacological methods for managing patients with ASD (p = 0.039). Conclusion. This study revealed a satisfactory level of knowledge among dentistry students at a university center in northeastern Brazil regarding the management of patients with ASD.