A Study Based on Dental Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes among the Medical Practitioners in and Around Kanpur City (India)

Abstract

Early detection of oral diseases makes them more amenable to treatment and allows the greatest chance of cure. Lack of general medical practitioner’s knowledge of oral disease has been shown to contribute to delays in referral and treatment, thus significantly affecting the associated morbidity and mortality. The present study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude and dental awareness among medical practitioners in Kanpur city, Uttar Pradesh India. The present study is Cross-sectional survey conducted among the medical practitioner in Kanpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India. A random sample of 270 Medical Practitioners were chosen from those registered in Indian Medical Association Kanpur city branch, and a list was made by simple random sampling method. These practitioners included those with MBBS degree/MBBS degree along with higher specialization (MD/MS/Mch) and lastly were medical practitioners, who were diploma holders. The data pertaining to their knowledge, attitude and awareness about oral health was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results of the study showed that the medical practitioners had good knowledge about dentistry. This study enlightens the dental and medical practitioners to have vast knowledge about oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and thereby help in early diagnosis which can prevent the further spread and thus reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.