DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Bell’s palsy, or idiopathic facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy, presents as sudden unilateral facial paralysis and may lead to functional and psychosocial limitations. While most patients recover, some experience lasting complications affecting quality of life. As dentists are often among the first to encounter such patients, adequate knowledge is essential. However, literature suggests that awareness among dentists and dental students is variable and often insufficient, highlighting the need to assess their understanding for timely recognition, management, and referral for physical therapy.
Objective: This study aims to determine the knowledge of Bell’s palsy among dentists and dental students.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 140 participants were included. 69 participants were dental students and 71 were dentists, of which male participants were 76 and female participants were 64. The targeted population was from Isra University, Hyderabad (IU), and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro. The data analysis was done by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: According to the results of this study, 130 participants responded for facial nerve in response to affected cranial nerve, 102 participants replied it’s a peripheral facial palsy, regarding the risk factors of bell’s palsy 58 participants answered for diabetes, in response to treatment option 78 participants supported corticosteroids, 94 respondents said that bell’s palsy is not a permanent damage and 86 respondents answered that they have never faced a patient with bell’s palsy in their clinic.
Conclusion: This study indicates that dentists and dental students possess a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding Bell’s palsy. However, most participants reported never having managed a patient with this condition in their clinical practice, suggesting a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. Increasing clinical encounters, case discussions, and targeted training may help improve confidence and competence in recognizing and managing Bell’s palsy.