Knowledge and Perception of Occlusion among Dentists in Aden, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Occlusion is vital in dental diagnosis and treatment, yet little is known about dentists’ knowledge and practices in resource-limited settings such as Aden, Yemen.


Objective: To assess the knowledge and perception of occlusion among dentists in Aden and identify gaps related to training, tools, and clinical practice.


Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 involving 188 licensed dentists selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing knowledge (15 MCQs), clinical practices, and perceived barriers. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression (p < 0.05).


Results: Only 41.5% accurately defined the centric relation. Dentists with postgraduate training were 3.2× more likely to understand functional occlusion (p < 0.001) and had 22% higher knowledge scores (t(186) = 4.1, *p* < 0.001). A hierarchical regression model confirmed that receiving training (β = 0.38, *p* < 0.001) and having tools available (β = 0.29, *p* = 0.002) were significant predictors of higher self-reported confidence in occlusal management, explaining 37% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.37, F (5,179) = 18.6, *p* < 0.001). . Public-sector dentists reported significant resource limitations, including a lack of articulators (68% vs. 29% in private clinics). Only 9.8% use digital tools.


Conclusion: Knowledge and practice gaps were associated with limited training and resources. Dentists with postgraduate training were 3.2× more knowledgeable, and public-sector clinicians faced major resource shortages. Curricular improvement and wider access to digital tools are recommended.