Dentists' Expertise In Treating Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders In And Around Hyderabad: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dentists must be able to identify medical emergencies and adopt the opportune measures to avoid them or treat them quickly and effectively. Medical emergencies can be alarming to any clinician but these situations are less alarming if proper preparations are made. Hence the present study is conducted to assess the knowledge of dentists in management of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted about knowledge of dentists in management of patients with cardiovascular diseases in Hyderabad. Dental practitioners were approached in their practicing clinics. A13 item questionnaire was administered after obtaining verbal consent. Participants filled the questionnaire and sufficient time was given for filling the questionnaire and it was collected after completion on same day.

Results: A total of 362 responses were received of which 56.6 % (N=205) were males, 43.4 % (N=157) were females. About 66.9% (N=242) completed MDS and 33.1% (N=120) have completed BDS. About 49.7% (N=180) and 43.1% (N=156) participants are depending on medical records of general physician and case history respectively to identify the patient with cardiovascular disease and the rest of participants about 7.2% (N=26) are depending on the patient to reveal their health condition.

Conclusion: Our study presents an interesting picture of ambiguity among the practitioners and academicians. We found that majority of the participants were aware about the cardiovascular emergencies in dental practice and are willing to treat such patients.