Chronic Orofacial Pain (COP) presents a challenge in both diagnosis and management. While pharmacotherapy is available, it often results in adverse effects. Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, local and economical alternative. However, literature lacks studies assessing the role of physiotherapeutic applications in dentistry. To assess the knowledge, awareness and perception amongst the dental students regarding the role of physiotherapy in the management of Chronic Orofacial pain. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst 200 students at a dental institute. The questionnaire consisted of 20 closed ended questions which were graded on a 5-point Likert scale. The responses were analyzed using Chi-square and One way ANOVA tests. Among the 200 students, majority (97.5%) of the students had predictable knowledge regarding common etiological factors for Orofacial pain. To the contrary, very few students were aware of the specific physiotherapeutic modalities pertinent to Orofacial pain management such as Myofascial Release Therapy (35%), Low-Level Laser Therapy (34.5%), Dry Needling Technique (41%) and Kinesio Taping Technique (28%). A majority of the students (90%) perceived a need to include instructions on physiotherapeutic modalities for Orofacial pain management. The study concluded that, there is an overall awareness amongst the dental students regarding the various applications of Physiotherapy in dentistry, but there is lack of awareness regarding specific therapies used in the management of COP. Hence the study, emphasizes the need of an Interdisciplinary approach between dentistry and physiotherapy for the effective management of patients.
