AWARENESS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL MANIFESTATION OF SYPHILIS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Oral manifestations of syphilis include multiple, scattered lesions on the oral mucosa and oropharynx, though the tongue, lips, and jugal mucosa are the most commonly affected sites. Aphthous-like fibrin coated ulcers with grey plaques or ulcers with irregular, whitish edges that are painful at times are also observed. The diffuse character of the inflammatory process in the oropharynx may elicit complaints of sore throat. Oral lesions vary widely in appearance, increasing the complexity of diagnosis if the dental surgeon lacks the required qualifications in stomatology. This study aims at understanding the knowledge among dental students regarding the management of oral manifestation of syphilis. The awareness of syphilis in dentistry is needed because syphilis can be spread by direct contact of mucosal lesions from primary and secondary syphilis or blood and saliva from infected patients. The dentist also plays an important role in the control of syphilis by identifying the signs and symptoms of syphilis, educating the patients, and referral regarding syphilis. A cross-sectional observational (online based) study was conducted in Saveetha Dental College, Chennai,Tamilnadu, India. The study population compromised 100 undergraduate dental students from clinical sites (3rd year, 4th year and interns). A detailed questionnaire containing questions related to knowledge of participants about causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of syphilis was structured into 8 dichotomous questions. Questionnaire was distributed through an online based survey site called Survey Monkey to participants. The results were obtained in a statistic which is analysed by the website itself. The results were interpreted according to records given by the website. As an overall result, out of 100 participants 83% aware that syphilis is a transmitted disease. 77% of participants claimed that they are aware of the oral manifestation of syphilis. According to the analysis, 70% of participants were aware of the commonly affected sites of syphilis and 59% aware of the fundamental lesion presence with syphilis. However, only 55% have the knowledge about syphilitic gumma (one of the major oral manifestations of syphilis). Those who are confident in diagnosing oral syphilis and aware of management strategies of these lesions are only 48% and 57% respectively. Almost 50% of participants will give advice for a surgical correction in patients with syphilitic lesions. As a conclusion, awareness regarding management of oral manifestation of syphilis has to be improved among dental students and they should be able to plan a proper treatment plan in managing oral manifestation of syphilis in future.