Trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis - a challenge - a cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge and attitude among the dentists of Saudi Arabia

Objective: To analyse the knowledge level and attitude of Saudi dentists regarding trigeminal neuralgia. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from 17/12/2020 - 9/2/2021 at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, and Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample comprised dentists and postgraduate dental students from every speciality. Data was collected online using a predesigned self-structured questionnaire consisting of three parts, assessing knowledge, practice and attitude of the subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: A total of 202 questionnaire about the knowledge level and attitude of Saudi dentists regarding trigeminal neuralgia were completed. The knowledge level was significantly higher in those senior age group compared to the young dentists with respect to the type of pain observed in TN, the unilateral pain of TN, and the abrupt, unexpected and transient nature of TN pain, local anaesthetic, the first-line treatment for TN, and the effect of TN on oral hygiene. Conclusion: Older and experienced dentists had more knowledge than younger and less experienced ones.