Journal des complications et de la médecine du diabète

An Investigation of Physicianâ??s knowledge of The Inter-relationship of Diabetes and Periodontitis

Abstract

Khawla Al Matrooshi

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge of the physicians’ in regards to diabetes and periodontal health. Studies show a bidirectional relationship between both diabetes and periodontal disease. The UAE lack research that shows us the level of knowledge that physicians have.

Method and material:

Qualitative study in which a questionnaire was distributed to the physicians that attending Arab Health Conference 2016.

Results:

A total of 344 physicians (186 males/ 53.8%, and 159 females/ 46.2%) with average age 38.11±9.31 (Mean±SD) years old responded to the questionnaire given to them. Of those participants, 285 (82.8%) were working in public sectors, and 60 (17.2%) were working in private sectors. One-hundred eight participants (31.4%) graduated in the UAE, and 263 participants (68.6%) graduated from medical schools in other countries. While, 74% see diabetic patients only 19% of them refer to a dentist although 65.5% have good knowledge of the inter relationship of periodontal health and diabetes. Our investigations showed that although the physicians have a good knowledge they rarely refer the patients to receive proper periodontal treatment.

Conclusion:

A proper dental referral protocol should be mandatory for all diabetic patients who attend physicians