"Awareness and Practice of Periodontal Procedures performed in the General Dental Practice- A Survey."

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the current status of periodontal treatment in clinics, the protocol for maintenance therapy, general awareness of the dentists towards periodontal care and to evaluate their attitude towards the need for accomplishment of periodontal procedures. Methods and Material: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, carried out in form of a questionnaire comprising 12 questions, distributed through google forms amongst 260 General Practitioners (GPs) in Mumbai. The questions ranged from chief periodontal complaints of the patients to the level of satisfaction of dentists after periodontal therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: The results revealed that most GPs performed phase-one therapy, gingivectomy and crown-lengthening procedures. It was also seen that general dentists don’t carry out regular periodontal examination along with periodontal probing. In addition, there is no proper protocol for re-call. Conclusions: Results of the survey revealed that some areas need to be emphasized like general dentist should carry out regular gingival examination along with probing, motivating the patients for periodontal treatment and devise a proper protocol for recall. He should be explained the benefits of the involvement of periodontist in phase-I therapy and the important role that a periodontist plays in multidisciplinary dentistry. Key-words: General practitioner, general practice, periodontics, original article, survey.