A study to assess the awareness of periodontitis and its relationship with systemic health among undergraduate medical students

Introduction The association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases is well established; however, there is a distinct lack of research available on its awareness among medical students in the United Kingdom. Aims To determine the awareness of fourth-year undergraduate medical students concerning periodontitis including its risk factors, relationship with systemic health and students' attitudes towards oral diseases and further education. Methods We delivered an online survey via a weekly email news bulletin to 299 fourth-year medical students and received 101 completed responses. Results Medical students were largely aware of the most common features of periodontitis and recognised that systemic diseases may affect the periodontium. There was less awareness of the associations between certain systemic diseases and periodontitis and there appeared to be confusion with tooth decay. Perceived knowledge was generally reported to be poor and most students believed that further teaching would improve their medical practice. Conclusions Increased teaching on periodontitis within the medical curriculum would benefit students. This may be achieved using an integrated teaching approach. Future doctors should graduate with an adequate education on the interdisciplinary links and should be capable of signposting or referring patients early to the appropriate services where indicated to improve patient care.

Automated summary

The survey showed that medical students have a good understanding of the common features of periodontitis, but lack awareness of its associations with specific systemic diseases and the difference between oral diseases and tooth decay. Most students felt that they had poor knowledge in this area and believed that further education would improve their medical practice.