Knowledge and attitudes toward patient education regarding denture care in dentists: A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Introduction: Denture cleanliness is essential to prevent malodor, poor aesthetics and the accumulation of plaque/calculus with its deleterious effects on the mucosa. The present study was conducted to assess the denture hygiene knowledge and attitudes toward patient education in denture care among dentists. Materials & Methods: The present questionnaire survey was conducted in the department of Prosthodontics on 204 dentists. A questionnaire was designed to gather the socio-demographic characteristics, assess the denture hygiene knowledge and attitudes. Results: Out of 204 subjects, 169 were BDS (males- 88, females- 81) and 35 MDS (males- 20, females- 15). The difference was significant (P- 0.01). 152 BDS and 35 MDS knew that dentures accumulate plaque/biofilms. 120 BDS and 35 MDS knew that toothpaste is advisable for denture cleansing. 142 BDS and 32 MDS knew that dentures are prone to develop denture stomatitis. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). 117 BDS and 35 MDS were strongly disagree with the fact that explaining denture hygiene instructions to old patients can be very time consuming. 112 BDS and 32 MDS were disagree with the fact that patient education regarding the impact of denture hygiene on systemic health is not important. 127 BDS and 33 MDS were strongly disagree with the fact that denture adhesives (if used) need not be cleaned completely and reapplied again daily. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Author concluded that BDS had limited knowledge and attitudes toward patient education in denture care whereas MDS had sufficient denture hygiene knowledge, attitudes toward patient education in denture care among dentists.