A study on oral health knowledge within the medical community

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the level of oral health awareness and oral health knowledge amongst the Maltese doctors and nurses. It also aimed to assess the level of oral health training and education received by the participants during their professional training together with their willingness to further their oral health knowledge. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was carried out by the dissemination of an anonymous questionnaire amongst medical doctors and nurses working within the Maltese national health sector. The questionnaire was made available as an online version and as a printed copy. The questionnaire was validated by a focus group. The data collected was analysed and inferences drawn. Results and Conclusions: 330 questionnaires were completed. The findings suggested there is an overall lack of oral health knowledge within the medical community in Malta – doctors averaged a total score of 66.7% while nurses a score of 48.9%. This can be attributed to the limited amount of oral health training received during their formal education to become health professionals as only 53% received oral health training. Doctors’ training focused on congenital oral defects (p<0.001), oral cancer (p=0.006) and TMJ disorders (p<0.001) while nurses’ training focused on caries prevention (p=0.036) and oral hygiene (p<0.001). Both professions appreciated the importance of oral health. Results showed that 83.9% claimed that the medical community does not have adequate knowledge, whereas 77% claimed to be willing to enhance their oral health knowledge through further training.