Midwifery Students' Knowledge and Need of Education Toward Oral Diseases in France.

Abstract

Introduction: Hormonal and immunological changes during pregnancy can affect oral health, especially periodontal conditions, which are linked to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of midwifery students regarding oral diseases and their prevention during pregnancy.

Materials and methods: A self-administered, structured questionnaire was sent to French midwifery students. It comprised 31 questions covering the demographic characteristics of the participants, knowledge of participants regarding the link between oral health and pregnancy, the consideration of oral health during their studies, and their clinical experience related to oral health in pregnant women. Descriptive analyses and univariate analyses were conducted.

Results: A total of 420 students completed the questionnaire during the year 2024. Although 95% of those students acknowledged the importance of oral health during pregnancy, only 67% were aware of its link to adverse outcomes. Overall, 51% of the participants were aware of periodontitis, and only 8% recognized gingival diseases as a potential risk for pregnancy complications. Overall, 38% of the students considered themselves as insufficiently prepared to offer practical oral health advice, with only 2% providing regular counseling. There was a significant discrepancy in education toward periodontal diseases, with 43% of students reporting having lessons on the subject during their studies, mostly for less than 2 h.

Conclusion: The level of students' knowledge and practice regarding oral health was not sufficient. Curricula improvements and increased clinical experiences are essential to enhance students' ability to assess oral health and provide preventive care to pregnant women. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.