Dental Students' Preparedness for Disability Care: A European Multicentre Study With a Focus on Hearing and Visual Impairments

INTRODUCTION: Effective communication is essential in dental care. However, patients with hearing or visual impairments encounter barriers that hinder their understanding, expression of concerns, and participation in shared decision-making. Limited evidence is available regarding dental students' preparedness to treat these patient groups across European dental schools. This study examined dental students' self-reported confidence and desire for hands-on experience in treating patients with disabilities, as well as their educational exposure, clinical experience, and attitudes regarding patients with sensory impairments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students in Amsterdam, Bucharest, and Copenhagen using an online questionnaire. The survey included 41 items addressing demographics, prior experience with people with disabilities, educational exposure, confidence, and attitudes towards treating patients with sensory impairments. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: The analysis included 146 responding students. Across the three centres, students recognised the importance of special care dentistry, while self-reported confidence was variable and low to moderate in several groups. Educational exposure appeared greater among master's students than bachelor's students; however, confidence levels varied between centres and educational levels. Clinical experience with patients with hearing and visual impairments was limited. Most respondents expressed a desire for hands-on training. CONCLUSION: Despite recognising the importance of special care dentistry, many students reported limited confidence in treating patients with disabilities, alongside limited practical experience in managing patients with hearing and visual impairments. These findings suggest that more structured educational and clinical opportunities may help strengthen students' preparedness to treat patients with disabilities.