Knowledge, Practice and Attitude of Medical Doctors on The Association Between Medical Health and Periodontal Health Dr. Bhavya B.1,*, Dr. Shaji Vineeta2, Dr. Ashwini S.3, Dr. Lavanya4 1Dr. Bhavya. B., MDS, Reader, Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka 2Dr. Vineeta Shaji, Post Graduate Student, Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka 3Dr. Ashwini. S, MDS, Prof, Department of Periodontics Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka 4Dr. Lavanya, MDS, Senior Lecturer, Department of Periodontics Faculty of Dental Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka *Corresponding Author Email: bhavyashetty@rediffmail.com
Online published on 18 January, 2019. Abstract Objective To assess interns and medical postgraduate students’ knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients’ periodontal health. Methods A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among interns and postgraduate students working and studying at the M.S. Ramaiah Medical college and M.S. Ramaiah Memorial hospital. Data on respondents’ demographic characteristics, periodontal disease knowledge and knowledge of associations between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, and attitudes toward patients’ periodontal health were collected. Data were analysed through percentages. Results Of 150 questionnaires distributed, 123 were returned (82% response rate); 105 questionnaires were completed properly and included in the analysis. The most common source of residents’ information on oral health was media (59.4%). The majority (90.9%) of respondents had positive attitudes toward the referral of their patients for regular periodontal care. Conclusions Knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor for systemic illnesses among medical interns and postgraduates is inadequate. These relationships should be emphasized in continuing medical education courses. Top |