A survey on knowledge, attitude and practice among the doctors towards systemic health possibly influenced by periodontitis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among the doctors towards the influence of periodontal diseases on systemic health conditions. This is a cross sectional survey done among 227 medical practitioners by distributing a self-prepared questionnaire about the possible influence of Periodontal disease on systemic health. Later, Descriptive analysis was done on the data collected. 79% of the doctors were aware of the association between periodontal health and systemic disease. Significant awareness was seen in association of periodontal disease with diabetes mellitus. And Only 58% of the doctors had the practice of referring patients with systemic health complications to dentists. The practice of referral to dentist and the awareness of relationship between periodontal health and systemic disease was not proportionate.