Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Of Dental Professionals Regarding Management Of Medically Compromised Patients During Dental Extractions

Objectives: The current study aims at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental professionals regarding management of medically compromised patients during dental extractions. Methods: A self-administered close ended questionnaire of 15 questions was made and was distributed among the dental professionals Including BDS and MDS from the different specialties. The data extracted was tabulated, statistically analysed and results were obtained. Results were calculated on the basis of frequency and percentage. Results: The survey was distributed online amongst the dental professionals through survey administration software. 258 dental professionals responded to the questionnaire. 93.5 % of participants were aware about the need of specialized treatment plan for medically compromised patients undergoing extraction. 73.9% of the participants showed positive attitude towards the need of physicians’ opinion before the extraction procedures in medically compromised patients. 97.8 % of participants were willing to take special consideration during treatment planning in medically compromised patients undergoing extractions procedures in their practice. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that majority of dental professionals in the present study have a good knowledge regarding treatment planning of medically compromised individuals prior to the dental extractions in dental clinics but were lacking confidence in handling some of the medical emergencies and were lacking in the actual practice of the same. Hence, in order to improve quality of patient care, more continuing dental education programs should be conducted to update the practitioners on the management of medically compromised patients and should be encouraged to practice the same in day-to-day practice