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Factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines among general dentists
Author(s) -
Sum J,
O'Rourke VJ
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/adj.12641
Subject(s) - referral , medicine , attendance , periodontal disease , family medicine , disease , periodontology , dentistry , economics , economic growth
Background Current research highlights a need to investigate the factors affecting periodontal disease referral. Limited literature exists on periodontal disease referral in Australia and no comparison to the periodontal disease referral guidelines exists. Objective This study analyses the factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines in general dentists in Queensland, Australia. Methods Fifty‐seven general dentists who are members of the Australian Dental Association (Queensland) undertook an online survey. Results The disease factor regarded as most important (90% of respondents) was unresolved inflammation upon re‐evaluation. The non‐disease factor regarded as most important (79% of respondents) was the operator's level of training. There is low awareness of the guidelines (36.7%) yet a reasonable adherence to them (78.3%). Of those aware of the guidelines, there was a statistically significant poorer adherence to the guidelines compared to those unaware ( P = 0.036), while there is no significant difference in the adherence to guidelines between those who have and those who have not attended continuing professional development ( CPD ) courses ( P = 0.66). Conclusions Adherence to current guidelines is not significantly impacted by the level of awareness of the guidelines or CPD attendance. The results from this study suggest a need to refine the current guidelines to better inform decisions about periodontal disease referrals.