Lack of oral health awareness and interdisciplinary dental care: a survey in patients prior to endoprosthesis and orthopaedic centres in Germany

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the oral health behaviour of patients prior to endoprosthesis (EP), as well as the handling of oral health topics by German orthopaedic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients prior to EP answered a questionnaire regarding oral health behaviour, oral hygiene, oral complaints and information on the relationship between EP and oral health. Another questionnaire was digitally mailed to orthopaedic centres throughout Germany. This questionnaire included the importance of oral health for EP and issues on dental referrals/consultations prior to EP. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were included in the study, of whom 35.5% of patients reported that they were informed about oral health and EP. Half of the individuals reported regular professional tooth cleaning, and less than one-third (29.1%) reported of the performance of interdental cleaning. Information on oral health and EP was associated with regular professional tooth cleaning (yes: 59.8% vs. no: 35.6%, p = 0.01). A total of 221 orthopaedic clinics were included in the study, of which only a few had dental contact (14%), although the majority (92.8%) of the clinics were familiar with causal relationships between oral health and EP infections. Less than half of the centres reported of either verbal (48%) or written (43.9%) referrals for their patients to the dentist. University Medical Centres reported of more frequent dental contacts (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Prior to EP, patients exhibited deficits in oral health behaviour, and orthopaedic clinics exhibited a lack of dental collaboration. Improvements in interdisciplinary care, especially regarding practical concepts for patient referral and education on oral health, appear to be necessary.