Knowledge, attitude and practices of dental students towards cleft lip- A survey

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness about cleft lip among dental students. Background: Cleft lip is a congenital deformity which functionally and esthetically compromised the patient. Therefore, correct identification, treatment and management of cleft lip would improve the quality of life for a patient with cleft lip. Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study, which utilises a well-structured and modified questionnaire from other similar questionnaires. This study was conducted among the clinical students of Saveetha dental college. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions. Once the students had answered the questionnaire, the results were tabulated. Comparisons were done for each question to determine the level of knowledge. Conclusion: Through this study the knowledge, awareness, and practices of the dental students about cleft lip management was assessed, the awareness was not consistent with the accepted standards. Therefore, education should be provided and topics on cleft lip should be emphasised as a priority of academic curriculum and also create some interdisciplinary training with medical professionals especially plastic surgeons.