Knowledge, attitude, and practices of dentists of aligarh and mathura regarding shortened dental arch therapy in elderly: A questionnaire study

Abstract

Background: There is an escalating demand for geriatric oral health care in all developed and developing countries including India. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most common dental disorders, which cause loss of teeth, mostly molars among elderly, creating high unmet needs. A complete dental arch is usually wanted, though not affordable, nor always achievable, especially in old age dental patients with compromised general health. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward shortened dental arch (SDA) concept among dentists of Aligarh and Mathura (Uttar Pradesh, India). Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 dentists working as academicians or clinicians or both in Aligarh and Mathura. KAP of dentists regarding SDA concept was assessed using a pretested structured self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Chi-square test was employed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 307 dentists, only 294 dentists responded to the questionnaire, generating the response rate of 95.76%. Only 64 (21.8%) had knowledge about this concept and had positive attitude regarding the concept. A great majority of MDS 20 (31.25%) in comparison of BDS 6 (9.3%) applied this concept but only in <10% of their patients. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Most of the dentists did not know SDA concept but had positive attitude about this concept and only few dentists practiced it. It is essential to raise the SDA understanding as well as its application clinically, which can prove to be a practical and cost-effective approach in providing care to geriatrics.