Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding dentine hypersensitivity: a cross-sectional study among dental practitioners in Sana'a, Yemen
TL;DR
The knowledge–practice gap indicates a need for structured educational interventions, including context-based guidelines and improved access to advanced therapies, among dental practitioners in Sana'a, Yemen.
Abstract
Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition characterized by short, sharp pain originating from exposed dentine. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding DH among dental practitioners in Sana'a, Yemen. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 402 dentists and specialists in Sana'a from July to August 2025. A validated 29-item questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, clinical practices, perceived barriers, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Cramer's V for effect sizes, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for key proportions. A total of 402 of 440 submitted questionnaires (91.4%) were complete and included in the analysis. Participants demonstrated moderate DH knowledge; 28.1% (95% CI: 24.0–32.5%) scored "good." The hydrodynamic theory was known by 57.2% (95% CI: 52.3–62.0%), but misconceptions about systemic factors persisted (44.3%). Higher knowledge was associated with female sex (χ 2 = 11.13, p = 0.004, V = 0.17) and postgraduate qualifications (χ 2 = 19.24, p = 0.014, V = 0.16). Attitudes were generally positive: 61.2% (95% CI: 56.3–65.9%) acknowledged DH's impact on quality of life, but only 36.6% (95% CI: 32.0–41.5%) felt very confident in managing DH. Diagnosis relied mainly on patient history (89.3%; 95% CI: 85.8–92.1%). Management focused on identifying risk factors (73.6%; 95% CI: 69.0–77.8%). Fluoride varnish was the most commonly used treatment (75.9%; 95% CI: 71.4–80.0%), while lasers were rarely used (13.4%; 95% CI: 10.3–17.2%). Major barriers included diagnostic difficulties (67.2%) and patient non-adherence (49.3%). Most participants (83.6%) desired further DH education. Dental professionals in Sana'a demonstrated moderate knowledge and positive attitudes but struggled to translate these into confident, evidence-based practice. The knowledge–practice gap indicates a need for structured educational interventions, including context-based guidelines and improved access to advanced therapies. Owing to convenience sampling and the focus on Sana'a, the findings may not be generalizable to rural areas or other Yemeni governorates.