Case-Based Diagnostic Performance, Challenges and Tool Development in Identifying Orofacial Conditions Among Pediatric Dentists: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background/Objectives: This study assessed diagnostic performance, explored diagnostic barriers, and developed an assessment tool for case-based diagnostic performance and associated challenges specific to pediatric OFCs.

Methods

An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with Saudi pediatric dentists, selected using criterion (purposive) sampling until thematic saturation was reached. Findings informed the development and validation of a structured questionnaire, targeting pediatric dentists from various regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed case-based diagnostic performance, appropriate management, and diagnostic barriers. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS. Findings from both phases were triangulated.