Knowledge, attitude and practices among pediatric dental postgraduates and practicing pedodontists on sign language

Communication is fundamental in pediatric dentistry, particularly when treating children with special healthcare needs such as hearing impairments. Sign language can serve as a vital tool for effective communication, yet its awareness and use among pediatric dental professionals remain unclear.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sign language among pediatric dental postgraduates and practicing pedodontists, including academicians.

A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 250 pediatric dental professionals, of which 206 responded. A structured and pretested questionnaire comprising 17 multiple-choice questions was distributed through Google Forms. It assessed demographic details, prior exposure to hearing-impaired patients, knowledge and familiarity with sign language and dental-specific signs, and participants' perspectives on integrating sign language into dental practice. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

While 95.6% of respondents acknowledged the importance of communication in dental care, only 11.7% reported familiarity with sign language. Recognition of key hand signs such as "pain" and "rinse/suction my mouth" was notably low, with 73.8% and 66% nonrecognition rates, respectively. Most participants (69.3%) rated their ability to manage hearing-impaired children as poor to fair. Notably, 88.8% expressed a willingness to learn sign language, and a majority recommended its inclusion in dental curricula.

There exists a significant gap in the awareness and use of sign language in pediatric dentistry. Incorporating sign language training into dental education and continuing professional development may enhance communication, promote inclusivity, and improve treatment outcomes for hearing-impaired children.