Knowledge and professional practices toward dentin hypersensitivity: A Belgium-France survey

Several questionnaire surveys across the globe showed that, despite its increasing prevalence and its impact on quality of life, dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is still an under-diagnosed and under-considered pathology in everyday dental practice. To address the lack of data regarding knowledge and professional practices in this domain in Belgium and France, a cross-sectional survey was performed.
A 22-item questionnaire was developed in French based on previous international surveys. It was administrated (spring 2025; online) to members of two dental associations in Belgium (Collège d’Omnipratique Dentaire) and France (ReCOL). Were performed statistical analyses (descriptive; χ2* and linear model ANOVA** to investigate the differences between countries and the relationships between respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge/practices) (significance: 0.05).
A total of 489 dentists (158 Belgians, 331 French) were considered for analysis; their age, gender and type of practice were similar to those in the general population of dentists in each country. For all questions related to DH description, mechanisms, triggering and predisposing factors, results showed a wide variability of responses within and between countries (ex: mechanisms: p<0.001**; predisposing factors: p=0.017**). A variability was also shown in terms of diagnosis and management strategies. Age is the respondents’ characteristic that may influence the most DH management, with younger practitioners being more conservative (ex: less mucogingival surgery for Schiff 3 to air blast test (p=0.037)). Furthermore, the majority of respondents (Belgium: 54.5%; France: 58.7%) declared that their initial education was insufficient in this field and showed interest for further education (Belgium: 80.7%; France: 68.9%; p<0.001).
The study, the first of its nature in Belgium and France, shows a lack of theoretical knowledge toward DH. It highlights the need for enhanced dental education (initial and continuing) toward DH but also for updated diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic recommendations at both national and international levels.