Presentation Category
Research
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are among the most common congenital anomalies, the most severe congenital anomalies of the orofacial region, requiring long and challenging multidisciplinary treatment. There is no doubt that all dental providers meet in their practice patients with OFC. Their knowledge, skills and experience are reflected in treatment outcomes. Methods: We created an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess the basic knowledge about OFC among Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry students and orthodontic residents. It consists of 20 questions, including etiology, prevalence, and prevention of clefts and other congenital anomalies. The study continues and so far results are available from 145 respondents. Results: Our findings indicate very good knowledge of etiology of non-syndromic cleft lip and palate. All orthodontic residents and 78% of DDS students answered correctly as “genetics and environmental factors”. Also, we were pleased with an excellent knowledge of the importance of Folic Acid (FA) in prevention of OFC (88% of DDS students and all orthodontic residents selected FA alone or with other vitamins). However, responses to the timing of supplementation (periconceptional) were correct only in 35% of dental students and half of ortho residents. Conclusions: While the birth prevalence has not changed for decades, not only treatment modalities, but also our understanding of etiology of cleft lip and palate has changed dramatically. Thus, understanding genetics and etiological factors involved in etiology will help not only for better diagnostics and treatment plans but will also create necessary background for efficient programs toward cleft prevention. Acknowledgements: We would like to express our gratitude to Drs. Marie M. Tolarova and Miroslav Tolar for invaluable guidance and support throughout the research process, to Sandra Derian for her help with Qualtrics, and to the participants who volunteered their time and efforts for this study.
Location
Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Format
Presentation
Assessing Knowledge of Cleft Lip and Palate Among Dental Students at the Universtiy of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are among the most common congenital anomalies, the most severe congenital anomalies of the orofacial region, requiring long and challenging multidisciplinary treatment. There is no doubt that all dental providers meet in their practice patients with OFC. Their knowledge, skills and experience are reflected in treatment outcomes. Methods: We created an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess the basic knowledge about OFC among Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry students and orthodontic residents. It consists of 20 questions, including etiology, prevalence, and prevention of clefts and other congenital anomalies. The study continues and so far results are available from 145 respondents. Results: Our findings indicate very good knowledge of etiology of non-syndromic cleft lip and palate. All orthodontic residents and 78% of DDS students answered correctly as “genetics and environmental factors”. Also, we were pleased with an excellent knowledge of the importance of Folic Acid (FA) in prevention of OFC (88% of DDS students and all orthodontic residents selected FA alone or with other vitamins). However, responses to the timing of supplementation (periconceptional) were correct only in 35% of dental students and half of ortho residents. Conclusions: While the birth prevalence has not changed for decades, not only treatment modalities, but also our understanding of etiology of cleft lip and palate has changed dramatically. Thus, understanding genetics and etiological factors involved in etiology will help not only for better diagnostics and treatment plans but will also create necessary background for efficient programs toward cleft prevention. Acknowledgements: We would like to express our gratitude to Drs. Marie M. Tolarova and Miroslav Tolar for invaluable guidance and support throughout the research process, to Sandra Derian for her help with Qualtrics, and to the participants who volunteered their time and efforts for this study.
Comments/Acknowledgements
Presentation Category: Research