Oral and dental health in family medicine: Knowledge and attitudes of resident physicians

Abstract

Objectives: Oral and dental diseases are major public health problems all over the world and effect mostly developing countries. Oral and dental (ODD) diseases can be largely prevented by identification of patients under risk like older people, expectant women, and children in primary health care system. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude of family medicine residents about oral and dental health (ODH) who works in the city center of Ankara.

Methods: 160 family medicine residents who work in Ankara were included in our study. A survey which consisted of 20 questions has been applied to the physicians in order to assess their knowledge and attitude about ODD.

Results: The physicians’ knowledge score level was moderate. The average percentage of correct answers was 61.4 ± 11.9%. The majortiy of physicians (74.4%) reported it as necessary for a physician to know about ODH and admitted (88.1%) that oral and dental health is a public health issue.

Conclusion: Physicians’ lack of knowledge of ODH and their generally positive attitudes toward it revealed a great need for planning of a continuous medical education program in medical training. Oral health promotion should be integrated into the existing preventive programs implemented by medical professionals.