Dental Awareness and Attitudes among Medical Practitioners in Chennai

Abstract

ABSTRACT There have been relatively few investigations regarding dental awareness and attitudes among medical practitioners. Aim To assess the dental awareness and attitudes of medical practitioners in Chennai. Methodology A cross sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire on 300 medical practitioners randomly selected. Results 85 % of undergraduates, 71 % of postgraduates, 80 % of diploma holders advised patients to visit dentist at least once in six months (P<0.05). 75 % of undergraduates, 85 % of postgraduates and 94 % of diploma holders knew that periodontal disease is a risk factor for infective endocarditis (P<0.05). 80 % of undergraduates, 77 % of postgraduates and 48 % of diploma holders were aware of systemic complications due to untreated dental diseases (P<0.01). Conclusion Dental awareness and attitudes was found to be good among medical practitioners in Chennai.