Assessment of dentists’ knowledge of oral manifestations of Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection: a questionnaire-based survey

Introduction : Diphtheria is a severe airborne bacterial anthroponosis characterized by high mortality rates and high prevalence in many geographical regions. It presents with a distinctive appearance in the oral cavity, marked by extensive pseudomembranes, and dentists may frequently be the first healthcare providers to diagnose it. Aim : The objective of our study was to assess dental practitioners’ awareness of the distinct oral manifestations of diphtheria and the necessary anti-epidemic measures to implement before and during dental treatment of a patient with a suspected infection. Materials and methods : An anonymous survey of 367 dental practitioners was conducted from March to August 2025 using a questionnaire designed specifically for the study and containing 12 closed questions. Results : A significant proportion of respondents (51.5%, n=189) assessed themselves as “partially familiar.” Just 36.0% (n=132) of them thought they could spread the infection to other patients by using Corynebacterium diphtheriae -contaminated tools, surfaces, and equipment. The remainder have shown a lack of awareness of the potential modes of transmission within the dental practice. A considerable percentage of the surveyed dentists indicated their awareness of the necessary actions to take in the event of a suspected diphtheria patient (51.0%, n=187), while 49.0% (n=180) reported feeling partially prepared. Conclusion : The general theoretical ignorance among dental professionals of the epidemiological factors, transmission mechanisms, and typical oral manifestations of diphtheria is likely to result in a failure to implement all necessary precautions to prevent its spread in their clinical practice.