Oral health knowledge and diagnostic confidence among non-dental healthcare professionals: A comparative study between Chile and Spain

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a key component of general health; however, non-dental healthcare professionals often lack the knowledge and confidence required to address it. This study aimed to compare oral health knowledge, perceptions, and diagnostic confidence among non-dental healthcare professionals in Chile and Spain.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in both countries using a culturally adapted and validated questionnaire. The survey assessed training, perceived importance of oral health, self-reported confidence, and diagnostic ability through clinical scenarios. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests, and linear regression analyses were performed. A total of 420 participants were included (Spain: 212; Chile: 208), of whom 58.8% were physicians. While most participants (93.1%) recognized the importance of oral health assessments, the majority reported low confidence in diagnosis (76.7%) and management (84.1%). Prior training was limited, particularly in Spain (0.5% vs. 48.1% in Chile; p<0.001). Chilean participants achieved higher diagnostic scores than Spanish participants (3.30 vs. 2.50; p<0.001), and physicians outperformed nurses and other professionals (3.12 vs. 2.60; p<0.001). Recognition was high for aphthous ulcer (95.5%) but substantially lower for conditions such as stomatitis (31.7%) and xerostomia (50.7%). Most participants (94.8%) reported a need for additional training. Non-dental healthcare professionals demonstrate substantial gaps in oral health knowledge and confidence despite recognizing its importance. Strengthening undergraduate and postgraduate education, alongside structured interprofessional collaboration, is essential to improve early detection, referral, and comprehensive care, particularly in aging populations with an increasing burden of oral disease.