Pablo Varela-Centelles1,2, Pedro Diz-Iglesias2, Ana Estany-Gestal3, Andrés Blanco-Hortas3, Rosendo Bugarín-González1, Juan M Seoane-Romero4. 1. Galician Health Service, EOXI Lugo, Cervo e Monforte de Lemos, Lugo, Spain. 2. Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialities, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. 3. Epidemiology, Statistics, and Research Methodology Unit, IDIS Foundation, Santiago de Compostela and Lugo, Spain. 4. Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialities, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore dental clinics' performance on periodontal education by comparing knowledge about periodontal health of regular and inconsistent dental attenders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Galicia (Northwestern Spain). Participants were randomly selected from 16 different areas and a questionnaire applied face-to-face. The survey included items on socio-demographic features, habits and routines, periodontal status and periodontal health knowledge. Participants were grouped according to the median of overall knowledge, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between good periodontal knowledge and frequency of dental visits. RESULTS: A total of 8,206 individuals were invited to enter the study, and 3,553 of them accepted the invitation (43.3%). Most participants (59.3%; n = 1,945) fit within the regular dental attenders' group. Younger women holding a university degree and visiting their dentist regularly elicited higher knowledge about periodontal health. Regular use of dental services increased the chances of being in the higher knowledge group (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.40-2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Reported regular dental attendance is related to periodontal health knowledge. Specific interventions for promoting tailored patient education on periodontal topics during routine dental visits may have a positive effect on laypersons' knowledge about periodontal health.
OBJECTIVES: To explore dental clinics' performance on periodontal education by comparing knowledge about periodontal health of regular and inconsistent dental attenders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population-based study with a cross-sectional design was performed in Galicia (Northwestern Spain). Participants were randomly selected from 16 different areas and a questionnaire applied face-to-face. The survey included items on socio-demographic features, habits and routines, periodontal status and periodontal health knowledge. Participants were grouped according to the median of overall knowledge, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between good periodontal knowledge and frequency of dental visits. RESULTS: A total of 8,206 individuals were invited to enter the study, and 3,553 of them accepted the invitation (43.3%). Most participants (59.3%; n = 1,945) fit within the regular dental attenders' group. Younger women holding a university degree and visiting their dentist regularly elicited higher knowledge about periodontal health. Regular use of dental services increased the chances of being in the higher knowledge group (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.40-2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Reported regular dental attendance is related to periodontal health knowledge. Specific interventions for promoting tailored patient education on periodontal topics during routine dental visits may have a positive effect on laypersons' knowledge about periodontal health.
Authors: Luca Aquilanti; Silvia Gallegati; Valerio Temperini; Luigi Ferrante; Edlira Skrami; Maurizio Procaccini; Giorgio Rappelli Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-24 Impact factor: 3.390