Divergence between confidence and knowledge of endodontists regarding non-odontogenic pain

The current study aimed to assess the self-reported levels of confidence and knowledge related to non-odontogenic pain among a group of Brazilian endodontists. Methodology: A total of one hundred and forty-six endodontists affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Endodontics participated in the survey. The questionnaire, distributed via email or WhatsApp, contained inquiries designed to gauge self-perceived confidence and knowledge concerning non-odontogenic pain. The practitioners were categorized into four groups based on their self-reported familiarity with various types of orofacial pain, classified as either sufficient or insufficient, in addition to their engagement in ongoing educational programs related to orofacial pain. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square Test and Fischer’s exact test (p<0.05). Results: Overall, self-reported confidence about non-odontogenic pain was high, especially for endodontists who considered their knowledge about orofacial pain sufficient, regardless of whether they had (71.1% - 97.8%) or not (35.7% - 96.4%) been continuously involved in continuing education courses in orofacial pain. In general, the self-reported knowledge about non-odontogenic pain was insufficient (0% - 42%), except for the question about how they would act in cases of pain that persists beyond the normal healing time after the endodontic procedure (70.6% - 81.9%). In general, endodontists consider themselves confident in the diagnosis and treatment of non-odontogenic pain. Nonetheless, this confidence did not correlate with a commensurate depth of knowledge. Thus, specialization courses in endodontics should highly consider training and qualification of these professionals in the diagnosis of non-odontogenic pain.