Syphilis in Dentistry: what do UPE students know about its oral manifestations?

Abstract

Aim: To identify the knowledge of undergraduate dental students about syphilis and its oral repercussions. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study whose research instrument was a virtual form made up of clear and objective questions. Results: One hundred and thirty-three university students took part in the study. All said they knew what syphilis was and the vast majority said it was a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, almost 30% of the students were unable to identify the etiological agent of the disease and were unaware of the extragenital site where it is most found. Although 94 per cent of undergraduates said that syphilis could be diagnosed by a dental surgeon, 43.2 per cent did not know how to make the diagnosis and more than half did not know which test to request. Seventy-four per cent of students who provide clinical care do not include questions related to STIs in their anamnesis. When asked about their knowledge of the disease, only 12.1 per cent rated it as adequate and the majority reported not feeling prepared to treat patients with the condition. Conclusion: Dental students have limited knowledge about syphilis and its oral manifestations, as they are insecure about treating patients with the disease, dissatisfied with their knowledge and unaware of the basic characteristics of the disease.