BMC Oral Health. 2026 Jul 3. doi: 10.1186/s12903-026-08864-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oroantral communication (OAC) and its chronic form, oroantral fistula (OAF), are significant complications primarily associated with the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth. Delayed diagnosis or inadequate primary management often leads to persistent maxillary sinusitis and secondary morbidities. Despite their clinical relevance, there is a lack of evidence regarding the factors influencing dentists’ diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making. This study provided a nationwide evaluation of dentists’ objective knowledge, clinical approaches, and self-perceived competence regarding the management of OAC and OAF in Turkey.
METHODS: This nationwide cross-sectional study included 400 dentists, divided into two equal groups: 200 general dental practitioners (Group 1) and 200 participants in the oral and maxillofacial surgery group (Group 2). A structured 35-item questionnaire collected data on professional experience and OAC/OAF-related knowledge across three subdomains: general, diagnostic, and treatment-oriented. Furthermore, the survey assessed clinical referral thresholds and self-perceived educational and diagnostic competence using a specialized scale. Statistical analysis included comparative tests and multiple linear regression models to identify independent predictors of clinical knowledge levels.
RESULTS: Group 2 demonstrated significantly higher scores across all knowledge subdomains compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05), with mean total scores of 0.81 ± 0.08 and 0.57 ± 0.12, respectively. Significant disparities were observed in etiology, preoperative risk assessment, and radiographic interpretation. Group 1 exhibited a higher tendency toward referral-based management, while Group 2 more frequently performed direct clinical management. Multiple linear regression revealed that being in Group 2, prior postgraduate training, and previous clinical case experience were independent positive predictors of higher knowledge scores. Conversely, a lack of preference for specific closure materials was a negatively associated with overall knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge levels regarding OAC/OAF management were significantly associated with professional group and clinical exposure. While Group 2 showed higher overall proficiency, knowledge gaps were also identified in specific domains. Within the context of dental education and clinical practice in Turkey, these findings support the need for strengthened undergraduate and postgraduate educational approaches to improve preparedness for OAC/OAF management.
PMID:42399919 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-026-08864-9
