Awareness Of Crouzon Syndrome Among Dental Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Crouzon syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that may be evident at birth or during infancy. The disorder is characterized by distinctive malformations of the skull and facial (craniofacial) region  . It is a form of craniosynostosis, a condition in which there is premature fusion of the fibrous joints (sutures) between certain bones of the skull.

AIM: To assess the awareness of crouzon syndrome among dental students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire based  survey was conducted among dental students to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about crouzon syndrome. The sample size of this study is 100. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. Online study setting was used to collect data . Results were analysed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: From this study, we come to know that only 24% of the participants are familiar or heard the term crouzon syndrome  The participants were asked about the abnormalities caused by crouzon syndrome for which 26% said “ premature closure of fibrous joints between certain bones in the skull”, 14% said “ affected intelligence “, and 58% said they are not sure. Also the participants were asked about the symptoms associated with oral cavity, 22% said underdeveloped jaw, 22% said protruded lower jaw and overcrowded teeth and 52% said all the mentioned symptoms. Participants were asked about the treatment for crouzon syndrome for which 50% said surgery and 50% said that they may not need to be treated.

CONCLUSION : From this study, we come to know that only a low population of the dental students  involved in the study are aware about crouzon syndrome and majority of them are not aware. Hence more awareness is required as dental clinicians as they may  encounter such cases and should be able to diagnose it.