Awareness and knowledge of diagnosis and treatment modalities of periodontal diseases amongst general dental practioners of Ahmedabad: A questionnaire based survey

• Author Details:   
• Mansi Vinubhai Parmar ^*
• Ashish Kaur Chaudhary
• Jinay Sathwara
• Rajat Gajjar
• Vrunda Patel
• Prachiti Chaulkar

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Introduction: The field of periodontology has significantly advanced in various areas including diagnostic tools, treatment modalities and techniques for periodontal regeneration leading to remarkable progress within the specialty. Additionally, due to technological advancements, periodontal treatments are now more accessible to general dental practitioners. However, the understanding of periodontal diagnosis and treatment often remains confined to undergraduate education, resulting in private practices focusing primarily on addressing the patient's chief complaint rather than comprehensive periodontal care.
Aim and Objective: The survey aimed to assess the knowledge of general dentist’s perspective on diagnosis and treatment modalities of periodontal diseases and to examine the decision criteria of general dentists to refer their patients to a periodontist.
Materials and Methods: The study involved a survey for 119 practicing general dentists in Ahmedabad city with qualification of Bachelor of Dental Surgery. A pre-tested questionnaire was distributed via online mode comprising of 20 questions. Percentage-wise distribution of responses to various questions was used.
Results: The responses indicate that in private dental clinics in Ahmedabad, 43.6% dentists consulted periodontists, while 18% conducted periodontal treatments themselves. Furthermore, 41% dentists referred patients for complex periodontal and implant cases, highlighting that periodontists primarily focus on managing these intricate situations.
Conclusion:  In conclusion, the survey reflects a moderate level of awareness regarding periodontal health among the respondents. Nonetheless, there are significant inadequacies in their understanding of advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment options.

Keywords: General dentist, Periodontal referral, Awareness of Periodontal diseases