Case-Based Diagnostic Performance, Challenges and Tool Development in Identifying Orofacial Conditions Among Pediatric Dentists: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background/Objectives: This study assessed diagnostic performance, explored diagnostic barriers, and developed an assessment tool for case-based diagnostic performance and associated challenges specific to pediatric OFCs. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with Saudi pediatric dentists, selected using criterion (purposive) sampling until thematic saturation was reached. Findings informed the development and validation of a structured questionnaire, targeting pediatric dentists from various regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed case-based diagnostic performance, appropriate management, and diagnostic barriers. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS. Findings from both phases were triangulated. Results: Thirteen interviews were conducted with pediatric dentists (specialists and consultants). Themes and subthemes, including key barriers, were identified. Among 180 pediatric dentists who answered the questionnaire, diagnostic performance was high, with mean diagnosis and management scores of 9.03 ± 1.16 and 8.84 ± 1.32, respectively. Triangulation demonstrated convergence regarding the importance of clinical exposure and interdisciplinary collaboration in improving diagnostic competence. Conclusions: The study developed a valid assessment tool specific to pediatric OFCs in Saudi Arabia, which may have limited generalizability to other countries. Pediatric dentists demonstrated high diagnostic performance and management competency, while key diagnostic barriers highlighted the need for enhanced hands-on training and interdisciplinary collaboration to further support accurate diagnosis and effective management of pediatric OFCs.