Periodontal medicine at the crossroads of education and practice: insights from a student survey

AIM. The objective of this study is to understand the knowledge of periodontal medicine among third year, final year and dental interns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among dental students in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu – India, belonging to third year, final year and Interns. A total of 15 questions about the prevalence, etiology, signs, association, risk factors, and treatment of periodontal medicine were included in the questionnaire.

RESULTS. Based on our study findings, a Moderate level of overall periodontal medicine knowledge was found. Although there were differences between genders in years of study in regards to disease prevalence / reasons / associations – there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) regarding the clinical signs of periodontal disease (i.e., clinical signs of scurvy). A few associations were also identified as having a relationship between periodontal disease as well as two or more systemic diseases i.e., atherosclerotic heart disease. In each domain of knowledge there were identifiable risk factors associated with periodontal disease – while low-dose doxycycline was found by essentially all participants to be the best treatment of periodontitis for diabetic patients in comparison to other medications. There was no statistically significant difference found for either gender or the year of study.

CONCLUSIONS. Among the dental students, there is a good amount of knowledge regarding the relationship between periodontal disease and various systemic illnesses. Further, knowledge should be spread on anticipatory guidance to patients on periodontal disease and its association with systemic illnesses.

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