AWARENESS OF PERIODONTAL HEALTH AND SYSTEMIC RISK FACTORS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS – A SURVEY STUDY

Periodontal diseases have significant public health importance due to their widespread prevalence. Periodontitis is a chronic disease with common social determinants and risk factors with a range of systemic diseases and conditions. The relationship between periodontal and systemic health underscores the necessity for dental practitioners to have a thorough understanding and awareness of the impact of systemic risk factors on the development of periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the awareness of periodontal diseases and their connection with systemic diseases and conditions among dental students. A sociological research method was employed - a survey conducted among 160 students at the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Sofia. A standardized questionnaire containing 22 questions was used, addressing the causes, progression and consequences of periodontal diseases and associated systemic risk factors. The results showed a good level of awareness among students regarding the etiology, symptoms and treatment of periodontal diseases. At the same time, certain gaps in knowledge were identified, particularly related to the role of systemic risk factors for periodontitis, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, emotional stress, genetic predisposition and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study highlights the importance of awareness regarding periodontal health and its connection to systemic diseases among future dental specialists. Such knowledge would help them provide more informed treatment and participate in public efforts to prevent chronic diseases related to oral health. This study is a part of the project № 8276/27.11.2023 „Study of the awareness of periodontal and systemic health among students of Medical University - Sofia“ which is financed by “Grant – 2024” of the Medical University of Sofia.