Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of White Spot Lesion Management Among Dental Professionals in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction White spot lesions (WSLs) are opacities formed due to decalcification occurring in the enamel's subsurface layer. These lesions are most commonly seen in patients during and after fixed orthodontic treatment due to undisturbed accumulation of plaque. Other factors that can predispose to WSLs are enamel hypomineralization, hypomaturation, hypoplasia, and disruption in the levels of salivary calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate, and fluoride. Though these lesions produce aesthetic mishaps, they go unattended because of the lack of clinical knowledge in interpretation and diagnosis. Aim This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental professionals regarding the management of WSLs. Materials and methods Participants in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey included undergraduate practitioners, postgraduates, and specialists. Formulated in English, the questionnaire comprised 21 structured questions circulated through online media across India. Results The assessment of knowledge and awareness highlighted participants' understanding of WSL, underscoring fundamental knowledge shared across dental professionals. The attitudes toward WSL treatment showed a similar belief among participants, including undergraduate practitioners and specialists, regarding the necessity of treating WSL. Furthermore, the analysis of practice patterns revealed consistent diagnostic methods among dental professionals, with specialists showing slightly higher adherence to drying techniques for enhanced visibility. Statistical analysis Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with descriptive statistics presented in frequencies, percentages, and means. Comparisons were made across different categories of dental professionals to examine variations in responses and practices. Conclusion Because untreated WSL can progress into cavities, a thorough understanding of the etiology, clinical picture, and early diagnosis is crucial in planning the treatment and managing patients' aesthetic demands and the tooth's function.