Awareness and attitude among general dentists and orthodontists toward obstructive sleep apnea in children

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate Italian dentists' knowledge of and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and sent to dentists in Italy through private social platforms. The first part of the questionnaire contained basic demographic data questions, and the second part included items about pediatric OSA.

Results: A total of 125 responses were collected within 1 month. The interviews revealed gaps in undergraduate and post-graduate training on OSA, and consequently, low self-evaluation of knowledge and self-confidence in managing young patients with OSA. Dentists showed unfavorable attitudes and poor knowledge of the general findings, risk factors, and consequences of pediatric OSA but demonstrated good knowledge of the beneficial effects of rapid maxillary expansion. Orthodontists showed a more favorable attitude and better recognition of the craniofacial features associated with OSA. In addition, a comparison was made between dentists who had graduated more than 5 years ago and new graduates, and differences were found in undergraduate education, which was better for new graduates, and a small number of questions were better answered by experienced dentists.

Conclusion: This study showed a lack of knowledge about pediatric OSA and its management among Italian dentists, revealing the need to update the dentistry curriculum and organize educational interventions.

Keywords: apnea; children; orthodontic; sleep; sleep apnea.

Figure 1

Region of the provenance of the participants.

Figure 2

Self-assessment of pediatric OSA knowledge of the participants shown by a pie chart.

Figure 3

Graph shows the percentages of the different professions listed by the participants as a part of the multidisciplinary team for the diagnosis and management of pediatric OSA. Free answers “more figures” (1 answer) or the identification of other health professionals than those proposed is grouped under ‘other’. The following professions are added (1 answer each): psychologist, exercise science graduate, and osteopath/physiotherapist.

Figure 4

Graph shows the selection percentages of conditions that participants felt they should pay attention to in patients with obstructive respiratory disorders.

Figure 5

Graph shows the participant’s awareness of the consequences of pediatric OSA.

Figure 6

Graph shows the answers to the questions regarding the beneficial effects of rapid maxillary expansion in percentages.