Periodontal Disease and Its Bi-Directional Relationship with Systemic Disease: A Survey among Medical Interns and Graduates

Abstract

Background: To assess the level of awareness on periodontal disease and its bidirectional relationship with systemic diseases among medical interns and graduates. Methods: A Cross sectional survey was conducted among 105 Medical interns and 53 Graduates in a medical college of northern India. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test were used. Results: Regarding awareness on the importance of oral health 92% of the participants reported very important and 77.1% of them were aware of periodontal disease but only 6.7% of them were knowing about the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. 94.3% of the participants were agreed for the inclusion of certain dental topics on oral examination and diagnosis in medical curriculum. Conclusion: We conclude that there is an urgent need to include selected dental topics of oral examination and diagnosis in medical curriculum.