Knowledge and awareness on cleft lip and palate among dental professionals in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Journal of cleft lip palate and craniofacial anomalies Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 18 - 26
• Main Author: Garoma, Gelana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2025; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: awareness; cleft; Cleft lip; Development and progression; ethiopia; knowledge; lip; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Original Article; Professional development; Risk factors; Surveys; United States; Ethiopia; lip; Awareness; Ethiopia; cleft; knowledge
• ISSN: 2348-2125; 2348-3644
• DOI: 10.4103/jclpca.jclpca_26_24

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common congenital craniofacial malformation that results when facial structures fail to close in an unborn baby. The etiology of CLP is multifactorial; including genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Children with CLP may face major impacts that include feeding difficulty, dental problems, speech, voice formation, breathing, and hearing loss. The management of CLP involves a multidisciplinary team approach. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of CLP in all the aspects among dental professionals in Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire assessing knowledge on CLP etiology, risk factors, prevalence, dental findings, associated syndromes, management, and feeding advice was distributed to Ethiopian dental doctors using Google Forms through E-mail and telegram group. A convenience sampling technique was used. Statistical analysis was performed using EPi Info version 7.2.6. The results were presented using frequency tables and figures. Results: A total of 173 dental practitioners were included in the survey. A majority (64.74% of respondents) were male. The most common age group was 21-30 years (54.9%), with an average mean of 28.65 years. The overall percentage of correct responses among dental professionals on the etiology of CLP was respectable (74.57%). The best results were found in regard to CLP prevalence unilateral lip (91.4%) and dental findings congenitally absent teeth (93.6%). The lowest rate of correct responses was recognized in relation to timing of CL (50.87%) and palate (49.71%) management. The association between the level of practice and knowledge on timing of CLP repair is statistically significant; the P < 0.05. There is also limited response in relation to the feeding advice of cleft patients, who agreed on frequent burping (46.82%) and on maximum feeding time for 35 min (47.97%). Conclusions: This study showed insufficient knowledge among dental doctors regarding maternal risk factors, associated syndrome of CLP, feeding advice, as well as timing of management. In addition, the majority of respondents had not attended previous courses or particular training on CLP. Dental specialists and general dental practitioners play a crucial role in the team management of children with CLP. Therefore, dental schools should give attention and teach the candidate in their early clinical attachment. This survey is also a home-take message for professional associations and other stakeholders to plan effective and extensive continuing professional development courses to increase the knowledge and awareness of dental practitioners.