Knowledge, Confidence & Experience of Dental Professionals in Treating Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: To assess the knowledge, self-perceived confidence, and experiences of dental professionals in managing patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 384 dental professionals at Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar. Participants were selected using a simple convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included both closed-ended and open-ended items. Closed-ended questions assessed knowledge and self-perceived confidence in managing patients with ASD, while open-ended questions explored participants' experiences and perceived challenges. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to report percentages for categorical variables. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s framework. Results: More than half of the respondents (64.9%) reported never having interacted with a patient diagnosed with ASD. Overall, respondents demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge about the condition. Notably, 34.8% of dentists expressed no confidence in treating children or adults with ASD. Challenges related to patient compliance and communication were identified as significant barriers to providing effective dental care for individuals with ASD. Conclusion: Most dentists reported limited experience in treating patients with ASD, demonstrated moderate understanding of the condition, and expressed low confidence in managing their care. Common challenges included communication barriers and lack of adequate training.