Research Article
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice with Regard to Periodontal Health Assessment and Plaque Control Measures among Dental Graduates in Mumbai, India-A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
1Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Public health dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, India
3Private practice, Mumbai, India
4Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Periodontology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, India
Received Date: July 28, 2020; Published Date: August 20, 2020
Abstract
Background: Effective mechanical and chemical plaque control remain the cornerstone of successful periodontal treatment and can be accomplished with the general awareness of the oral hygiene aids.
Aim &Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among graduate dentists in dental clinics with regard to periodontal health assessment and plaque control practices in patients.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional multi-centre, close-ended questionnaire -based survey collected data by convenience sampling from 400 graduate dentists with minimum of 5 years of dental practice in Mumbai, India. 392 responses met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. A well-structured 20-item questionnaire was prepared and validated. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to assessment of knowledge, attitude and oral hygiene practices among dentists with respect to periodontal health assessment and plaque control in dental clinics in Mumbai.
Results: Our questionnaire-based survey revealed that there was general consensus among the dentists about plaque control measures like tooth-brushing/interdental cleansing aids and recall visits for patients. However there were diversity and ambiguity in responses among dentists about periodontal assessment by perio charting, the use of mouthwashes, brushing techniques, gum paints and periodontal maintenance in implant patients.
Conclusion: There was positive attitude and awareness among dentists in this survey about the assessment of periodontal health, plaque control measures and patient education in dental practice. However, instilling the knowledge of the correct oral hygiene practices is the need of the hour and needs to be implemented at the undergraduate level. The results of this present study re-enforces the belief that the knowledge and attitude of the general dentists towards oral hygiene practices are of paramount importance and ultimately translate into optimum patient care.
