Self-Perception of Dental Surgeons Regarding Academic Training for Oral Health Care of People with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the self-perception of dental surgeons regarding academic training for oral health care of people with disabilities (PWD). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with a sample of 160 public and private dental surgeons from a Brazilian municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed questions was administered to investigate the socioeconomic and demographic aspects, professional training, professional knowledge of the health rights of PWD, and relationships with PWD. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, along with a multiple logistic regression model, were used for data analysis at a significance level of 5%. Results: Almost 70% (n = 112) of professionals had training in the care of PWD. Professionals who had specific training during their undergraduate studies (AOR = 3.660; 95% CI = 1.169-11.467; p=0.026), who developed community activities in this period (AOR = 9.968; 95% C I= 1.887-52.639; p=0.007), who showed aptitude for providing oral health services (AOR = 4.155; 95% CI = 1.563-11.045; p=0.004), as well as for the behavioral management of these people (AOR = 2.808; 95% CI = 1.096-7.195; p=0.031) were more likely to have their self-perception regarding professional training being adequate for oral health care for PWD. Conclusion: Self-perception of academic training in caring for people with disabilities was associated with some variables related to training during undergraduate studies and work experience, but there are still gaps in knowledge of the rights of people with disabilities to oral health among Brazilian dentists.