|
|
|
|
|
Carrie L. Janszen, RDH, BSEd, Health Promotion and Education, University of Cincinnati, 6181 Ancient Oak Drive #174, Florence, KY 41042, 859-525-1660, CJANSZEN@aol.com
All cardiologists and general practitioners within two Midwestern cities (N=274, 114 cardiologists and 160 general practitioners) were surveyed to examine their attitudes regarding the relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease, whehter dental health is a component of overall health, and their opinions of the number of hours of dental health education that should be included in medical school. The 18-item survey, developed by the researcher was found valid and reliable using a panel of experts and the test-retest method. A pre-notification postcard was mailed to the physicians, followed by an additional survey after two weeks. And telephone reminders for the remaining nonrespondents. Seventy-five of the 274 participants (20 cardiologists and 55 general practitioners) responded (response rate = 27.4). Approximately 91% of general practitioners and all of the cardiologists participating in the study indicated that they believe there may be a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease. The majority of physicians (78.7%) stated that dental health is a component to overall health. When comparing all physicians who completed the survey and the number of dental health education hours provided in medical school, 42.7% felt that between 1-5 hours of education should be offered and 30% felt 6-10 hours of medical school training should pertain to dental health education. Although more research is needed in this area, this study supports the inclusion of dental health into medical education and practice.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adult Health, Chronic Diseases
Related Web page: N/A
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.