Relationship Between Dp140 Genotype and Cortical Similarity Network Phenotype in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Preliminary T1 Weighted Study.

The prevention of long-term oral health issues, the promotion of lifelong healthy habits, and the support of proper oral–facial development rely on compliance with preventive measures and early oral care. General dentists often encounter young patients and are expected to provide appropriate care or, when necessary, refer them to paediatric dental specialists. Similarly, physicians are involved in assessing a patient’s risk of developing oral health issues and providing guidance to parents and children on how to prevent them. They can also offer timely referrals and advise when oral healthcare is necessary. This proactive approach helps to avoid sudden episodes of pain and infection that might otherwise require emergency treatment or extensive restorative procedures, which are often performed on young patients under sedation or general anaesthesia. Effective coordination between healthcare professionals is essential to ensure optimal care for young patients (Pierce et al. ; Dela Cruz et al. ; McQuistan et al. ). A lack of knowledge amongst physicians regarding child oral health may hinder their ability to provide accurate advice on nutrition, preventive care, or the importance of early dental visits (Douglass et al. ). General dentists may also face difficulties when treating children, particularly in cases that require specialised dental treatments or advanced behavioural management strategies (Kohli et al. ). These gaps in knowledge can result in suboptimal treatments, delayed diagnoses, and unmet dental needs (Braun and Cusick ). The well-documented connection between oral and systemic health underscores the need for strong interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and physicians in managing paediatric patients (Casamassimo ; Zerman et al. ). Oral health issues in children can contribute to systemic problems such as poor nutrition, impaired growth, and a heightened risk of systemic infection (Ferrazzano et al. ). Consequently, ensuring children’s overall health relies on the comprehensive training and knowledge of both physicians and dentists in various aspects of oral and general health. Training in paediatric dentistry should be an integral part of university education for healthcare professionals in Italy, as in all countries. However, the level of knowledge imparted to physicians and dentists in this field can vary significantly. While medical and dental students may encounter paediatric patients during their clinical training, the depth and scope of knowledge and practical experience in oral problems differ greatly between the two disciplines and even across universities offering the same course. Although the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry developed Curriculum Guidelines for Education and Training in Paediatric Dentistry in 2007 (EAPD ), the document has not been updated, and no recent standardised Core Curriculum has been established (Field et al. ). This lack of an updated framework highlights the need for a contemporary, unified approach to ensure consistent training and competence in paediatric dentistry across Europe. Therefore, identifying potential gaps in knowledge and training amongst both dentists and physicians is crucial. Investigating any gaps in this area would be helpful in improving education, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to paediatric care, and ultimately ensuring comprehensive and appropriate healthcare for children.