KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICE AMONG MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ABOUT PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN TELANGANA STATE: A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction Periodontitis is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease which affects the periodontal tissues. These periodontal diseases not only effect the periodontal tissues but also have a role in affecting systemic health. There is a bidirectional relationship between the periodontal diseases and systemic health. Medical practitioners play an important role in early detection of oral health related to certain systemic diseases. The awareness among the medical practitioners remains under explored in many regions in India including the Telangana state. Aim The study aimed at assessing the knowledge, awareness and practice among the medical practitioners about periodontal diseases in Telangana state. Materials and methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among the medical practitioners of various specialties in Telangana .A questionnaire structured with 22 questions which was distributed to the medical practitioners to evaluate knowledge, awareness and practice about periodontal health. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics. Results In the results of the study, majority of the participants showed good awareness of periodontal diseases and its prevention, but limited knowledge of advanced regenerative therapy Conclusion Medical practitioners have moderate to good awareness about periodontal diseases and its systemic associations. How ever there is a gap in understanding the advanced treatment modalities. Interdisciplinary education is necessary to understand and improve patient care. Key words: awareness, knowledge, medical practitioners, questionnaire.