Assessing Dental Students’ Preparedness and Practices in Managing Special Needs Oral Healthcare.

Abstract

The provision of oral healthcare for individuals with special needs demands specialized knowledge, skills, and compassionate care. This study aimed to assess the preparedness and practices of dental students in managing patients with special healthcare needs. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate dental students. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to special needs dentistry. The findings revealed that while most students demonstrated positive attitudes toward treating special needs patients, there were notable gaps in practical experience and confidence levels. The study underscores the importance of incorporating focused training modules and clinical exposure in the undergraduate dental curriculum to enhance competency in providing equitable oral healthcare for all individuals.