Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding Dental Erosion among Tunisian Dental Partitioners

Dental erosion is characterized by the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to non-bacterial acids. Despite its prevalence, the level of awareness and understanding among dental practitioners remains unclear, particularly in Tunisia. Aim . This study aimed to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of dental practitioners in Tunisia regarding the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and management of dental erosion. Methods . A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational and analytical study conducted over 12 months (January 2024 to January 2025) among dental practitioners in Sousse, Tunisia, working in both public and private sectors. The target population included licensed private dentists, hospital-university practitioners, dental residents, and thesis-level dental students, selected through convenience sampling across dental offices and university hospitals. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered 21-question online questionnaire developed from literature and expert input, and validated through a pilot study. The survey assessed demographic data, theoretical knowledge, attitudes through clinical case scenarios, and professional practices regarding dental erosion. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 19, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson correlation, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results . The study revealed a significant lack of knowledge among dental practitioners regarding the etiology, symptoms, and prevalence of dental erosion, as indicated by statistically significant p values. Furthermore, the majority of practitioners demonstrated an inadequate attitude towards dental erosion management, with 64.40% showing insufficient understanding or approach in clinical scenarios. Additionally, most practitioners neither implemented preventive measures nor utilized appropriate tests to assess the severity of dental erosion lesions. Conclusion . The findings underscore the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing dental erosion. This comprehensive approach is crucial for the early detection, assessment of underlying causes, and effective treatment of dental erosion.