Knowledge-to-practice gap in oral microbiome counseling: a mixed-methods study among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence links the oral microbiome to systemic diseases, yet its integration into dental practice remains limited, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where non-communicable diseases are prevalent. Equipping dental practitioners with microbiome-related competencies is essential. This study evaluated the knowledge, confidence, and counseling practices of dental practitioners, identifying predictors and barriers to the clinical application of these practices.

Methods

A convergent mixed-methods design involved 286 dental practitioners (general dentists, specialists, academics) across Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a 23-item validated questionnaire (13 assessing objective knowledge, 8 evaluating beliefs, confidence, and barriers, 2 open-ended). Quantitative data were

SUBMITTER: Parveen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502571 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature