Knowledge of periodontal disease among group of health care professionals in Yenepoya University, Mangalore

Abstract

Introduction: Health care professionals interact with patients on a daily basis. Assessing and improving the existing knowledge of periodontal awareness among health care professionals is needed. They could be a good resource to educate patients on oral healthAims:To assess the existing knowledge about periodontal disease among various health care professionals.To identify deficit in the knowledge among these health care professionals.Materials and Methods: This was a written questionnaire based pilot study. A total of 224 subjects (123 male & 101female subjects) were selected for the study from the Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Random sampling method was employed for case selection. The main topics included in the written questionnaire were knowledge of the definition of periodontitis, knowledge of risks associated with periodontitis, knowledge of risk factors for periodontitis and knowledge of preventive measures and treatment of periodontitis.Results: Bonferroni Multiple Comparisons test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores and mean percentage scores when compared between dentist and other professional groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores and mean percentage scores between Medical, Physiotherapy and Nursing professionals.Conclusion: Severe knowledge deficit was seen in risks associated with periodontitis and risk factors for periodontitis. There is a need to improve knowledge about periodontal disease in the health professionals in the Yenepoya University.