An assessment of dentist’s knowledge regarding management of medically compromised patients during invasive dental procedures

Abstract

Introduction: The dental management of medically compromised conditions is of importance due to concerns regarding associated oral complications and emergency care. The compromised systemic conditions may predispose oral tissues to other diseases, or they may interfere with the normal healing process. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of dentists about medical problems that a dentist or specialist may encounter in their routine practice.

Material and Methods: A questionnaire based study was carried out in different teaching Dental Hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The questionnaire comprised of 20 multiple choice questions to assess knowledge of dentists regarding dental management of different medically compromised conditions. 300 questionnaires were distributed to all practicing dentists including house officers, demonstrators, post graduate residents and faculty members of clinical departments of 5 teaching hospitals. The data was analysed using SPSS statistics version 17.

Results: There was no statistical difference in knowledge between faculty, post graduate residents, demonstrators and house officers. However, the mean score of post graduate residents was found slightly higher. Out of a total score of 20, the overall mean score was calculated as 8.82 with a standard deviation of 2.995.

Conclusions: It was found that majority of dentists lack the necessary knowledge for dental management of patients presenting with medically compromised conditions. Thus, training regarding dental management of patients with systemic illness or medically compromised conditions should be mandatory at under and post graduate level in accordance with latest guidelines and should be considered a part of dental curriculum.