Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors towards periodontal disease
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors towards periodontal disease
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:
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Sreenivas Nagarakanti, Venkatarao Epari, Deepthi Athuluru
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors towards periodontal disease
Year: 2013 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.107491
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigated the knowledge and attitudes of medical doctors in Nellore District regarding the connection between periodontal disease and overall health, as well as their willingness to refer patients for dental treatment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 267 randomly selected physicians, utilizing a structured questionnaire to assess their understanding of periodontal diseases and the interplay between oral and general health. While all respondents acknowledged the existence of a relationship between the two, the study highlighted a significant gap in proactive referrals to dental specialists, indicating a need for improved education on oral health among medical practitioners.
Referral Practices and Knowledge Gaps
Despite the high awareness among physicians about the implications of periodontal disease, only 10% were willing to refer patients to dentists without prompting from the patients themselves, with 25.8% referring to specialists. In terms of knowledge about dentistry, only 21.3% of respondents were able to accurately identify various branches of the dental profession. This disconnect highlights a concerning trend where medical doctors, despite being in a prime position to detect oral health issues during general health consultations, often fall short in integrating dental referrals into their practice. The findings suggest a crucial need for training programs targeting medical professionals to enhance their understanding of the importance of oral health and its direct correlation with systemic health.
Conclusion
The results indicate that while medical doctors possess a basic understanding of periodontal diseases, they are underutilizing their potential role in promoting oral health through referrals. The study underscores the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at physicians to emphasize the significance of oral health and the importance of routine dental check-ups. By fostering a collaborative approach between medical and dental professionals, patient access to essential dental care can be significantly improved. Future research should involve larger sample sizes across various regions to better assess the knowledge levels and referral practices of medical doctors globally, promoting a collaborative effort in maintaining and enhancing public health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on medical doctors?
The study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical doctors regarding the association between periodontal disease and general health, and their willingness to refer patients for dental treatment.
What percentage of doctors referred patients for dental treatment?
While 86.1% of respondents agreed that they referred patients to dentists, only 10.1% did so without patients asking for a referral.
How knowledgeable were doctors about periodontal diseases?
All 267 respondents recognized signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, indicating high knowledge about its relation to general health.
What is suggested to improve oral health awareness among doctors?
The study suggests the need for educational programs to inform medical doctors about the importance of oral health, periodontal disease, and the necessity of dental referrals.
What was a significant finding from the survey results?
Despite high awareness of oral health significance, only a small percentage of doctors referred patients for dental check-ups, indicating a gap in practice.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors towards periodontal disease”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
In the context of this study, 'disease' refers to periodontal disease, which has a significant impact on both oral health and general health. It highlights the importance of understanding the links between oral diseases and systemic conditions, as well as the need for appropriate medical referrals and healthcare integration.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge is crucial in healthcare as it directly influences the ability of medical professionals to identify, understand, and manage conditions like periodontal disease. This study emphasizes the need for medical doctors to be educated about oral health's implications, thereby encouraging appropriate patient referrals to dental professionals.
3) Table:
Tables in research studies, such as Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3, present data in an organized manner, allowing for easier interpretation of results and demographics. They condense complex information, providing a visual representation of findings, which is key for analysis and understanding trends in the data collected.
4) Study (Studying):
The study serves as a vital investigation into medical doctors' awareness and referral practices regarding periodontal disease. It reveals gaps in knowledge and emphasizes the relationship between oral and general health, showcasing the necessity for integrating dental health education into medical training and practice.
5) Practising (Practicing):
Practicing refers to the active engagement of medical professionals in their respective fields. In this study, it indicates where and how medical doctors work, influencing their exposure to oral health issues and their likelihood of making patient referrals. This contextual understanding is essential for improving dental care access.
6) Perception:
Perception encompasses how medical doctors view the relationship between oral health and general health. The study indicates a widespread recognition of this relationship, yet highlights a lack of action regarding referrals, reflecting an imperative to shift perceptions to enhance preventative care and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
7) Education:
Education is a cornerstone of healthcare improvement, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing training for medical doctors on oral health issues. The study calls for curriculum enhancements in medical schools, targeting a better understanding of how oral health affects general health, thus promoting comprehensive patient care strategies.
8) India:
India is the geographical context of this study, which addresses the rising prevalence of periodontal disease and its systemic implications. The findings can inform health policies and education systems in India, emphasizing the need for collaborative healthcare models that encompass both medical and dental practices.
9) Sign:
In this study, 'sign' relates to the indicators of periodontal disease that medical doctors should recognize. Being knowledgeable about these signs is essential for early diagnosis and effective patient referrals, reinforcing the shared responsibility between medical and dental professionals in patient health promotion.
10) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the systemic conditions linked to periodontal disease, illustrating the importance of understanding systemic health in relation to oral health. Medical knowledge of such relationships can guide more holistic patient care and increase referrals to specialists who can address these intersections.
11) Epidemic:
Epidemic describes the widespread nature of periodontal disease in India, indicating a significant public health concern. Understanding its epidemic status emphasizes the urgency for medical doctors to address oral health as part of overall wellness, highlighting the need for proactive referrals to dental care for prevention.
12) Teaching:
Teaching pertains to the educational aspect of the medical field, particularly how knowledge about oral health is disseminated to aspiring doctors. The study signals a gap in oral health education within medical training, advocating for enhanced instructional content to promote integrated healthcare services and improve patient outcomes.
13) Cancer:
Cancer is another systemic condition associated with periodontal disease, reinforcing the critical nature of the bidirectional health relationship. Knowledge about such connections can impact how medical professionals approach patient health, fostering an environment where oral health is prioritized as integral to overall well-being and disease prevention.
14) Field:
Field refers to the respective domains of healthcare practice that include both medicine and dentistry. The study emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration between these fields to address patient health holistically, promoting effective communication and referral systems for managing periodontal and systemic health issues.
15) Visit:
Visit pertains to patient interactions with healthcare providers, which frequently occur with medical doctors more than with dentists. The study underscores the potential for these visits to serve as opportunities for doctors to address oral health issues and facilitate necessary referrals for dental care, enhancing overall patient health.
16) Pur:
Poor relates to the suboptimal state of oral health and its implications on general health. The study underscores the societal inequalities reflected in oral health outcomes, conveying the need for enhanced education and proactive measures from healthcare providers to reduce poor health incidences and improve patient care.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical doctors towards periodontal disease’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sample size, Oral health, Periodontal disease, Continuing education programs, Cross-sectional survey, General health, Bidirectional relationship, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Healthcare professional, Survey results, Dental Treatment, Referral to dentist, Systemic condition.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.