A Study to Assess the Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Dental Graduates

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent but often undiagnosed respiratory disorder that can lead to significant health issues. Dental professionals play a crucial role in identifying and referring patients with OSA. Yet, insufficient training during dental education has led to a gap in their ability to recognize and manage the condition effectively. Methodology: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of dental graduates toward OSA. General dentists with at least 5 years of professional experience registered with the Dental Council of India (DCI) participated in the survey. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning OSA. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured through expert validation and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.70 or higher. Results: The study included 249 dental professionals, with a majority being female (55%) and practicing in hospitals (52%). In terms of knowledge, five questions received over 50% correct answers, indicating good knowledge, while four questions scored poorly with less than 50% correct responses. Regarding attitudes, 50% of respondents showed a positive attitude toward OSA in some questions, while others exhibited a negative attitude, suggesting an insufficient understanding of the condition and its management. Conclusion: The findings reveal a significant deficiency in the knowledge and attitude of dentists toward OSA, highlighting the need for enhanced education in dental curricula. By improving training on OSA, dental professionals could play a more effective role in identifying and managing the condition, ultimately improving patient health outcomes.