Perception of general dental practitioners towards periodontal practice and referral profile: A survey study

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Original Article

Author Details : Pragathi R Bhat*, Shivani S Desai, Devika Padmakumar, Vijay A. Trasad

Volume : 5, Issue : 2, Year : 2020

Article Page : 74-77

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijpi.2020.017

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Abstract

Context and Design: The speciality of periodontology has been evolved with leaps and bounds in all
aspects ranging from advances in diagnostic aids to use of growth factors and periodontal regeneration
techniques in treatment, thus making speciality per se reach new heights. Moreover, with development of
technology, periodontal treatment is freely accessible to general dental practitioners. However, knowledge
of periodontal diagnosis and treatment is usually limited to undergraduate level and most of times private
practice deals only with chief complaint of patient.
Aim: Evaluate the knowledge and perception of general dentists towards periodontal treatment.
Materials and Methods: The study involved a survey for 50 practicing general dentists having their
clinics in Hubli-Dharwad city with qualification of Bachelor of Dental Surgery only. A pre-tested close
ended questionnaire was distributed comprising of 20 questions and knowledge, perception levels were
assessed.
Statistical Analysis used: Percentage-wise distribution of responses to various questions was used.
Results: Although 90.4% of general dentists did believe in the success of periodontal treatment and did
recommend their patients to undergo various periodontal treatment procedures, 88.5% of the dentists
performed most of periodontal surgeries and phase I therapy on their own. 78% of dentists referred
cases to specialist only for grafting, ridge augmentation and dental implant procedures. About 71.2% of
dentists considered gingival health for prosthetic considerations and 94.2% of them did evaluate periodontal
condition before referring case for orthodontic treatment. It was noted that 84.6% of dentists followed up
periodontal cases as a part of maintenance phase and 57.7% of them did attend CDE program regarding
consequences periodontal disease progression and its treatment outcomes in past 1 year.
Conclusions: In this study, dentists reported rendering nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy on a
wide scale. Majority of dentists did attend CDE programs on periodontology and have gained knowledge
about periodontal disease and its current treatment modalities. Although dentists do have good perception
on success of periodontal treatment, majority of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment was
performed by general dentists on their own. Thus the need of the hour is to establish a proper periodontal
referral relationship among the general dentists of Hubli-Dharwad.
Key Message: Although dentists do have good perception on success of periodontal treatment, majority
of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment was performed by general dentists on their own. Thus
the need of the hour is to establish a proper periodontal referral relationship among the general dentists of
Hubli-Dharwad city.

Keywords: Periodontal referral, General dentists, Periodontal treatment, Dental practice, Speciality practice.

How to cite : Bhat P R, Desai S S, Padmakumar D, Trasad V A, Perception of general dental practitioners towards periodontal practice and referral profile: A survey study. IP Int J Periodontol Implantol 2020;5(2):74-77

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