ArticleBMC oral health2025
Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and potential role of oral health practitioners in FASD screening in South Africa.
Article in BMC oral health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Alcohol use disorders and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a South African dental school curriculum: a curriculum mapping study.BMC medical education · 2026Article
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3 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSouth Africa has the highest global burden of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), yet awareness and prioritisation among healthcare professionals remain limited. Oral health practitioners (OHPs) are well-positioned to support FASD screening due to their community presence and craniofacial expertise. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of South African OHPs to engage in FASD screening.
methodsA cross-sectional online survey was distributed to South African OHPs, including dentists, dental specialists, oral hygienists, and dental therapists. The survey explored participants' knowledge of FASD, recognition of the cardinal features, willingness to screen for, and perceived barriers to screening. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
resultsOf the 147 respondents, 70% (n = 109) were dentists. While most indicated they were comfortable discussing alcohol-related health problems, only 20.4% (n = 30) routinely asked patients about alcohol use. Awareness of the national FASD burden was low, with just 39.5% (n = 58) aware that South Africa has the highest global prevalence. Most participants (79.6%, n = 117) considered knowledge about FASD relevant to patient management. Regarding screening, 85.7% (n = 126) agreed that OHPs should play a role. Interest in additional training on FASD and its screening was high (90.5%, n = 133), with oral hygienists showing the greatest interest (97%, n = 31). Key barriers identified included unclear referral pathways and concerns about the stigma associated with diagnosis. Although the response rate was low, the sample represented a geographically and professionally diverse group.
conclusionThe findings reveal substantial knowledge gaps among South African OHPs regarding FASD, but also indicate strong interest and readiness to advance their knowledge . To support the integration of FASD screening into oral healthcare practice, targeted training, clear referral systems, and curriculum inclusion are needed. Reducing stigma and promoting public acceptance will further enable OHPs to contribute meaningfully to early identification and interventions for FASD.
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