Nationwide exploration: assessing oral microbiome knowledge among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia and its implications for oral health care

• DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04770-0
• Publication Date: 2024-08-31T12:03:12Z
• Authors: Sameena Parveen; Ahmed Shaher Alqa...; Mohammed Y. Aljabri; Amal Bajonaid; Samar Saeed Khan; Ali Abdel-Halim A...; Tazeen Dawood
• Keywords: Oral Microbiome; Health Professionals

The relationship between the microbiome and oral health is intricate, yet there a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding microbiome's impact on health. Integrating its significance in systemic diseases holds profound implications for dental professionals patient care professional development. This study assessed professionals' comprehension levels Saudi Arabia healthcare. Data were gathered using cross-sectional design by administering online questionnaire to 253 from diverse demographic backgrounds. questionnaire, administered English, was divided into four sections: (1) Microbiome awareness understanding, (2) Diet, nutrition, relationship, (3) diseases, (4) Counselling, education, implications. Statistical analyses used identify understand underlying patterns, including descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, ANOVA, post hoc tests. Spearman rank correlation coefficient applied assess self-rated knowledge. Of participants, 94.6% familiar with term "microbiome." Merely 13% participants considered be second most diverse, following gut microbiome. About 39.9% knew connection mucosal Furthermore, only 6.7% thought Participant questions averaged 9.19 out 13, 83.7% scoring "good". There significant differences scores among specializations (F = 7.082, P < 0.001) years experience 4.755, 0.003). Significantly, 53.8% had uncertain self-perceptions their microbiome, while 0.8% rated understanding as 'very good'. Our findings reveal that have varying Despite widespread awareness, diversity remains limited. It essential address these gaps through future research educational interventions, considering vital part play promoting personalised dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, hygiene practices. These initiatives may promote robust microbial community, enhance outcomes, advance healthcare locally globally.