Knowledge About The Interrelationship of Oral and Systemic Health Among Postgraduate Dental Students and General Dental Practitioners of West Tamil Nadu – A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

Objectives: Oral health status is an integral component of general health. Many studies have shown that the oral cavity exhibits manifestations of many systemic diseases and acts as a predictor of oral health. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge about the interrelationship of oral and systemic health among postgraduate dental students and general dental practitioners of west Tamil Nadu. Material and Methods: Data was collected using a self-administered pilot tested questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and demographic details were collected for the participants of study. The questionnaire was sent through email. Study data obtained were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. Comparison between the variables was done using chi-square test. Level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results: The results were tabulated and comparison of knowledge about oral and systemic diseases among general practitioners and postgraduates were analyzed using nonparametric – Mann-Whitney test. General practitioners had comparatively better knowledge on inter-relationship of oral and systemic health than postgraduate students. 44.17% of respondents in general dental practice knew that a relationship exists between oral and general health, but application of this knowledge in treating medically complex patients was limited. Conclusion: Greater emphasis should be placed on this association by interfiled (medical and dental) training from the undergraduate level which can be rectified by modifying the academic regulations. Continuing education programs should be frequently conducted on educating dental, medical and other healthcare professionals on the robust and latest evidence of the oral-systemic link.