Hanxiao Lin1, Hua Zhang1, Yuxia Yan2, Duan Liu1, Ruyi Zhang3, Yeungyeung Liu4, Pei Chen4, Jincai Zhang4, Dongying Xuan5. 1. Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, S253 Industry Boulevard, Guangzhou 510282, China. 2. Department of Biostatistics, Southern Medical University, S1023 Shatai Boulevard, Guangzhou 510515, China. 3. Department of Endocrinology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College of Jinan University, No. 396 Tong Fu Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510220, China. 4. Department of Periodontology, Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, S366 Jiangnan Boulevard, Guangzhou 510280, China. 5. Department of Periodontology, Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, S366 Jiangnan Boulevard, Guangzhou 510280, China. Electronic address: xuanxuan187@126.com.
Abstract
AIMS: This study aimed to compare the opinions of dentists and endocrinologists regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis, and to investigate the possible effects on their practice. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from 297 endocrinologists and 134 dentists practicing in southern China using two separated questionnaires. Questions were close-ended or Likert-scaled. Statistical analyses were done by descriptive statistics, bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared with endocrinologists, dentists presented more favorable attitudes for the relationship of DM and periodontitis (P<0.001). 61.2% of dentists reported they would frequently refer patients with severe periodontitis for DM evaluation, while only 26.6% of endocrinologists reported they would frequently advise patients with DM to visit a dentist. Nearly all of the respondents (94.4%) agreed that the interdisciplinary collaboration should be strengthened. The logistic regression analysis exhibited that respondents with more favorable attitudes were more likely to advise a dental visit (P=0.003) or to screen for DM (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Endocrinologists and dentists are not equally equipped with the knowledge about the relationship between DM and periodontitis, and there is a wide gap between their practice and the current evidence, especially for endocrinologists. It's urgent to take measures to develop the interdisciplinary education and collaboration among the health care providers.
AIMS: This study aimed to compare the opinions of dentists and endocrinologists regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis, and to investigate the possible effects on their practice. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from 297 endocrinologists and 134 dentists practicing in southern China using two separated questionnaires. Questions were close-ended or Likert-scaled. Statistical analyses were done by descriptive statistics, bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared with endocrinologists, dentists presented more favorable attitudes for the relationship of DM and periodontitis (P<0.001). 61.2% of dentists reported they would frequently refer patients with severe periodontitis for DM evaluation, while only 26.6% of endocrinologists reported they would frequently advise patients with DM to visit a dentist. Nearly all of the respondents (94.4%) agreed that the interdisciplinary collaboration should be strengthened. The logistic regression analysis exhibited that respondents with more favorable attitudes were more likely to advise a dental visit (P=0.003) or to screen for DM (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Endocrinologists and dentists are not equally equipped with the knowledge about the relationship between DM and periodontitis, and there is a wide gap between their practice and the current evidence, especially for endocrinologists. It's urgent to take measures to develop the interdisciplinary education and collaboration among the health care providers.
Authors: Kenneth E Izuora; Echezona E Ezeanolue; Michael F Neubauer; Civon L Gewelber; Gayle L Allenback; Guogen Shan; Guillermo E Umpierrez Journal: Am J Med Sci Date: 2016-04-23 Impact factor: 2.378
Authors: Kenneth E Izuora; Echezona E Ezeanolue; Michael F Neubauer; Civon L Gewelber; Gayle L Allenback; Guillermo E Umpierrez Journal: J Clin Transl Endocrinol Date: 2016-06