Knowledge Assessment on Cleft Lip and Palate among Recently Qualified Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background. The current study aimed to develop a validated questionnaire for cleft lip and palate (CLP) knowledge assessment and to assess the knowledge of cleft lip and palate among a group of recently qualified dentists. Materials and methods. A Multiple-site, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and validated with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis performed. The 15-item questionnaire was distributed to 156 dental interns with a response rate of 67%. Results. The overall proportion of correct responses was moderate (73%). The best results were found in relation to CLP treatment including the effect of unfavorable surgical outcomes on speech (89.5%) and the impact of CLP on the occlusion (87.6%). The lowest rate of correct responses (26.7%) was identified in relation to the association between CLP and smoking. Conclusion. A validated CLP questionnaire was developed permitting evaluation of the knowledge of cleft lip and palate and its management among dental students. Given that general dentists are often the gatekeeper for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate, this can be used to inform the curriculum and teaching of cleft lip and palate both nationally and internationally.