Awareness Regarding the Systemic Effects of Periodontal Disease Among Medical Interns in India

BACKGROUND: Medical curriculum does not provide required space for oral health; hence, many medical interns are unfamiliar with the oral cavity and oral health research. AIMS: To study the level of awareness regarding systemic effects of periodontal disease among medical interns. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional qualitative study recruiting medical interns from two medical institutions affiliated to two different universities in Southern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was carried out in two medical institutions affiliated to two different universities in Southern India. A total of 143 interns participated in the study. Each participant was given a self-administered, pre-tested, multiple choice question–type questionnaire to solve on the spot. In order to summarise the awareness level, respondents were graded on a five-level scale as poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Percentages, proportions. RESULTS: A total of 67 respondents (47%) had fair; 60(42%), poor; and 18(11%), good level of awareness regarding the systemic effects of periodontal disease. Only 23(16%), 17(12%), 12(8%), 6(4%) and 4(3%) respondents were aware that the periodontal disease may be the possible risk factor for coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, diabetes mellitus, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and preterm labour (low birth-weight infants), respectively. Only 12 respondents (8%) would seek dentist's opinion for all patients with systemic diseases related to dental disease. CONCLUSIONS: Medical interns had inadequate awareness regarding the systemic effects of periodontal disease. Therefore, an integrated teaching of medical and dental sciences is recommended.