Assessing Nutritional Knowledge Among Dentists and Dental Students in the United Arab Emirates

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the level of nutritional knowledge among dentists and dental students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to identify factors associated with higher knowledge levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 among 311 dentists and dental students in the UAE. Participants were recruited using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling techniques. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants' knowledge and practices related to nutrition in the context of oral health. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and inferential statistics were applied to examine associations. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 25.4 ± 6.9 years, and 72% were female. The overall nutritional knowledge score was 53.2%, indicating a moderate level of understanding. While 80.4% recognized the role of dietary counselling in preventing dental caries, gaps were identified in knowledge related to sugar intake guidelines, nutrient deficiencies, and the protective roles of macronutrients. Older age, professional experience and prior exposure to nutrition education were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite moderate awareness, there are critical knowledge gaps among dental students regarding the role of nutrition in oral health. Enhancing nutrition education within dental curricula is essential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Integrating nutrition into dental training and encouraging collaboration with nutritionists may improve preventive care and patient outcomes in dental practice.