Evaluation of Awareness of General Dentists and Dental Specialists about Dental Management of Pregnant and Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: With advances in medicine, more systemic patients seek dental treatment. On the other hand, oral health care is an essential part of pregnancyand diabetes mellitus health care. The aim of this study was to assess dentist’s awareness about dental management of pregnant and diabetic patients. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 106 out of 204 dentists attending in oral medicine congresses and continuous education programs from June 2009 to June 2010. A self-established questionnaire with approved validity and reliability was used. Along with demographic data, some multiple choice questions about dental management of diabetic and pregnant patients were asked. Totally 20 points were assigned to questions and awareness was classified to excellent (18-20 points), good (14-Results: The mean awareness score (MAS) was moderate (10.5±2.5). The MAS for pregnancy was (3.5±1.78) of 10 and for diabetes mellitus were (7±1.32) of 10. MAS were higher in women especially about diabetes mellitus but it was not significantly different. The University of Graduation and years of career were not significantly related to awareness status. Education and treatment attitude for pregnant patients were not related to awareness but women had a higher attitude in treatment of pregnant patients (P<0.05). The lowest awareness was about indications of consultation in diabetic patients and the highest awareness was about administration of suitable antibiotic and analgesic during pregnancy. Conclusion: The awareness level of dentists studied here was moderate and low about dental management in pregnancy and diabetes mellitus which should be improved via continuous education programs.