Evaluation of Dental Student’s Knowledge among Diabetes: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are at greater risk for several oral health complications, particularly periodontal disease. Moreover, there is evidence to support a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, it is expected that dental practitioners will be seeing and treating greater numbers of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice of dental students towards diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted by means of a questionnaire among dental students in a private dental university in Morocco. Qualitative variables were described in terms of numbers and percentages and were compared using a Chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.005 was considered significant. A total of 268 students participated in the assessment, corresponding to a response rate of 83.7%. The results showed that 80.6% of the students believed that knowing the type of diabetes was important. 14.2% knew the risks that the diabetic patient incurred in dental treatments. For analytical results, 3 groups corresponding to the final 3 years of their 6-year dental curriculum were compared. When asking about the knowledge of the risks incurred by the diabetic patient, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the 3 groups. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between students in 4th, 5th and 6th year concerning the prescription of antibiotics for endodontic procedures if HbA1c < 7. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the 3 groups concerning the knowledge of antibiotics and analgesics prescribed in odontology for diabetic patients. To overcome the lack of knowledge relevant to dental students, it is essential that clinical internship of students must consider the management of patients with diabetes. Finally, continuing educational programs should be followed by dentists to improve their knowledge of the management of diabetic patients.