Comparative Evaluation of Knowledge Level of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Students about Orofacial Pain and its Managements

Orofacial pain evaluation and treatment is often a shared responsibility between the dentist and physician. A considerable overlap exists between the two professions. The ability of the health professional is only distinguished by the individual’s knowledge and training. This study aims to explore and compare the knowledge of chronic orofacial pain within two final year dental and medical students who studied atShiraz University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, containing 15 multiple choice questions on diagnosis and treatment of OFP, was given to 200 randomly selected two final year dental and medical students in both main and international branchesof Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Results: An overall response rate of 94% was achieved among students. The mean score of knowledge of OFP was found to be 31.52± 11.33 (of a total of 70). Medical students were significantly more knowledgeable than dentalstudents (p=0.00). However, no significant difference was recorded between main and international dental students (p=0.296). While, in Medical field in diagnosis section, there was a statistically significant difference between Main and International students (p=0.024). Inthe treatment section, no significant difference was found between students of main and international branches (p=0.693). Conclusion: According to the results, the level of knowledge of dental students regarding OFP is not desirable. The main medical students may havesufficient knowledge to make an appropriate diagnosis of OFP, but their treatment knowledge level of OFP is low. The result also highlights the knowledge gaps between dental and medical students and perhaps the need for more extensive inclusion of OFP in the dentalundergraduate curriculum.