Assessment of knowledge, perceptions, and diagnostic confidence regarding Bell’s palsy among dental students in Saudi Arabia
Abdullah F. Alshammari, Teflah S. Alhudayris, Modhi S. Alaqal, Shahad M. Alshammari, Layan S. Alfrhooud, Joud F. Alqufayi, Sundeep S. Bhagwath, Ahmed A. MadfaBackground
Bell’s palsy is a common cause of unilateral facial paralysis with relevance to dental practice. However, limited evidence exists regarding dental students’ preparedness to recognise and manage this condition, particularly in Northern Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, perceptions, confidence, misconceptions, and training needs regarding Bell’s palsy among dental students at the University of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, between July and October 2025. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from previously published studies. The questionnaire underwent expert review for content and face validity, pilot testing, and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.81). It assessed knowledge, clinical recognition, confidence, misconceptions, and training needs regarding Bell’s palsy among dental students from the third year to internship level. Data from 206 respondents were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results
Of the 206 participants (54.9% male), 89.3% correctly identified the seventh cranial nerve, and 64.6% recognised the idiopathic aetiology of Bell’s palsy. Correct identification based on a clinical vignette was high (91.3%), yet only 25.2% reported being able to apply the House–Brackmann grading system. Self-reported confidence in identifying and managing Bell’s palsy increased with academic level, peaking among interns (p < 0.001). Male participants reported significantly higher factual knowledge and self-confidence (p < 0.001). More than half of the participants (56.3%) expressed a need for additional training in neurological conditions relevant to dental practice.
Conclusion
Dental students demonstrated adequate theoretical knowledge of Bell’s palsy but showed gaps in applied clinical understanding and self-reported confidence. These findings highlight the need for earlier integration of cranial nerve assessment, practical training in the House–Brackmann grading system, and interdisciplinary educational approaches to improve preparedness for recognising and managing facial nerve disorders.