Myasthenia Gravis in Dental Practice: Evaluation of Dentists' Knowledge, Awareness, and Clinical Approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate dentists' knowledge, awareness, and clinical approaches regarding myasthenia gravis (MG), with a focus on diagnostic methods, medication safety, and emergency crisis management in dental practice.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 93 dentists after obtaining ethical approval (Van Yuzuncu Yil University, 2025/09-28). The questionnaire comprised 29 items grouped into demographics (7 items), knowledge (8 items), and attitude/awareness (14 items). Reliability was tested by the test-retest method, and content validity was confirmed through expert review. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 23.0 with Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Dentists reported limited knowledge and awareness regarding MG. While 75.5% correctly identified long and stressful procedures as potential crisis-triggering factors, substantial gaps were observed in recognizing diagnostic methods and contraindicated medications. Professional experience was significantly associated with better knowledge (p = 0.021), and regression analysis confirmed that workplace (β = -0.23, p = 0.033) and prior clinical encounter with MG patients (β = -0.28, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of knowledge. In contrast, no demographic variables significantly predicted awareness (p > 0.05). Non-parametric correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between self-reported knowledge and awareness scores (Spearman's rho = 0.053, p = 0.613).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to comprehensively assess dentists' self-reported knowledge, awareness, and clinical approaches regarding MG. The findings reveal substantial self-reported deficiencies, particularly in diagnostic methods, medication safety, and emergency crisis management, highlighting the need to strengthen MG-related content in dental education and continuing professional training. Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and targeted educational strategies are essential to support safe and effective dental care for patients with MG.