Knowledge and awareness about fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva among dental students

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder which is autosomal dominant distinguished by congenital malformations of large toes and flare ups, etc. It is a disorder of connective tissue, with heterotopic ossifications seen with skeletal muscles, tendons, and cartilages and also called as Stone man disease, myositis ossificans, and Munchmeyer disease. The main objective of the study is to assess and create the awareness about FOP among dental students. An online-based survey was conducted among 103 dental students, undergraduates and postgraduates. About 20 questionnaires were prepared and circulated among the students through the "Google forms" across Chennai. A survey questionnaire asked about the knowledge of fibrodysplasia, its causes, treatment, and diagnosis was enquired. Thus, the data obtained were analyzed statistically using the SPSS software. In our study, about 64% were undergraduates and 35% of them were postgraduates. About 66% of the participants were aware of fibrodysplasia and 32% of them were not aware. Most of the undergraduate students were more aware of fibrodysplasia (40%) when compared to postgraduates (29%). However, this is statistically not significant. Fibrodysplasia ossificans reported to have a high incidence in 1 in 2 million people worldwide. Hence, an early diagnosis of this disorder can prevent further complications. Although the survey has provided significant knowledge about fibrodysplasia, awareness still has to be created among dental students.