EC Dental Science

Objectives: Major domains of knowledge and clinical expertise in oral medicine include oral mucosal and salivary gland disorders; temporomandibular joint dysfunction, orofacial pain and neurosensory disorders, along with managing the care of medically complex patients. The objective of the present study was to assess attitudes toward the oral medicine specialty among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was undertaken May-June 2022 by using a structured online questionnaire asking about the most difficult/challenging case scenarios to diagnose and/or treat in oral medicine, along with other related questions. Participants were from different healthcare specialties working in different cities in Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of 321 participants answered the study questionnaire, and 84.42% reported that they had heard of the oral medicine specialty and 58.57% reported that they had consulted or referred a case to an oral medicine specialist. Participants reported high scores regarding hematologic malignancies as the most challenging cases to diagnose and oral lichen planus and/or lichenoid reactions as the most difficult to treat. Participants with dental education backgrounds were significantly more likely to think hospitals should hire an oral medicine specialist than were physicians.

Conclusion: The present evidence indicates that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about the oral medicine specialty and its importance in oral health related disciplines; hence, more efforts should be focused on reinforcing the importance of the oral medicine specialty in health care curricula, as well as in the healthcare setting in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Attitude; Medical Students; Dental Students; Oral Medicine Specialty; Saudi Arabia

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