Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Special Care Dentistry (SCD) Among Dental Students At Cairo University.

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) is a specialized field dedicated to addressing the oral health needs of individuals with physical, mental, developmental, or cognitive impairments that make it challenging for them to access or receive standard dental care. These individuals are at a higher risk of oral diseases due to multiple barriers, including mobility restrictions, communication difficulties, behavioral challenges, and dependence on caregivers for oral hygiene maintenance. In addition to these personal and social barriers, the lack of adequate training among dental professionals further contributes to the difficulties special needs patients face in receiving proper dental care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over one billion people globally-approximately 15% of the population-live with disabilities. In Egypt, the 2017 census revealed that 10.77% of the population has some form of disability, with a significant number of adults aged 18-59 affected. Although Law No. 10 of 2018 on Persons with Disabilities emphasizes equal access to healthcare services, there is currently no structured national strategy that integrates SCD into the Egyptian healthcare system. While initiatives like the Takaful and Karama program provide financial and social support to individuals with disabilities, a dedicated framework for ensuring equitable access to dental care remains absent.Research has shown that individuals with special healthcare needs experience a higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues due to challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental services. Studies indicate that many dentists feel unprepared or reluctant to treat patients with disabilities, citing a lack of adequate training during their undergraduate education. In many dental schools, SCD is either insufficiently covered or entirely absent from the curriculum, leaving graduates without the necessary knowledge and clinical confidence to manage special needs patients effectively.Early exposure to SCD through structured theoretical education and hands-on clinical training has been shown to significantly improve dental students' competence and attitudes toward treating special needs patients. Countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Canada, and the United States have successfully integrated SCD into their dental education programs, ensuring that future dentists are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide inclusive oral healthcare. However, in Egypt, the extent to which dental students are trained in SCD remains unclear, highlighting the need for further investigation. This observational cross-sectional study aims to explore dental students' perceptions of SCD, focusing on their awareness, familiarity with SCD concepts, and attitudes toward managing patients with special healthcare needs. Additionally, it will assess students' evaluation of their current SCD education, identifying potential gaps that may hinder their preparedness to treat special needs patients in clinical practice. By analyzing these perspectives, the study seeks to provide valuable insights that can guide the development of more effective educational strategies. Enhancing dental education in this area is essential for producing a competent and confident workforce capable of addressing the unique oral healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities, ultimately improving access to equitable dental care.