SICKLE CELL DISEASE PRIOR KNOWLEGDE ASSESSMENT AMONG DENTISTRY SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is responsible for high mortality and morbidity in Brazil. It is known that SCD promotes several oral manifestations and impacts directly on the dental treatment approach. However, there is little information concerning the dentists’ prior knowledge about the illness. The aim of the present study is to assess the level of knowledge and the profile of different respondents, by means of a questionnaire applied during the seminar “O papel da Odontologia no contexto da atenção integral à DF” hosted in a dental course of a public higher education institution. The results of the present study have shown that, in general, the majority of the respondents stated that they have insufficient information about SCD, in spite of the great interest in learning. It was also found a greater interest among the graduated dentists, probably due to the fact that they have already experienced the treatment on SCD patient, since Bahia State presents the greater prevalence of the disease in Brazil. In this context, it seems clear that there is a lack of information and many doubts about the role of dentistry in the health care of patients with SCD. High prevalence diseases in Brazil should be addressed with depth more often in dentistry higher education programs. Better treatment approaches and protocols for dental care of patients with SCD are antecipated.