Perception of dentists about oral manifestations of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of dentists about the oral manifestations of autoimmune diseases. Methodology: This is an analytical, observational and cross-sectional study of the survey type. The universe was composed of Dental Surgeons duly registered in the Regional Councils of Dentistry (CRO) in Brazil, working both in institutions or private offices and in public institutions. The sample was constituted for convenience and the participation of the Dental Surgeons was carried out through digital forms that were sent to the professionals' e-mails and social networks. A total of 111 Dental Surgeons participated in the survey. Results: Of the total number of individuals who constituted the sample, 45.9% were female and 54.1% were male, aged between 22-46 years, mean  of 29.57 ± 6.10. When the average percentage of correct answers of the research participants was evaluated, the sample of Dental Surgeons demonstrated a moderate knowledge about the oral manifestations of immunologically mediated and autoimmune diseases (M=63.6%; DM= 23.4; SD= 29, 1). Conclusion: Dental surgeons still demonstrate a considerable lack of knowledge about immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases, making it difficult to carry out early diagnoses and adequate treatments. Most dentists are completely unaware of which therapy should be correctly adopted for each case.