Knowledge, attitude and practice of Dietary Counselling amongst Dental professionals in Davangere City, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition counseling has an important place in the dental care setting given the clear relationship between dietary factors and dental caries and the association between obesity, diabetes and periodontitis. Diet and nutrition impact oral health and consequently should be considered during dental exams and treatment planning. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to analyze the knowledge, attitude and practice amongst dental professionals in Davangere City, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 236 dental professionals in Davangere City and data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 11 relevant questions with demographic data. Chi Square test, descriptive statistics and regression analysis was done to analyze the data using SPSS v21. Results: Around 260 questionnaires were distributed, out of 236 were returned with completely filled responses with a response rate of 90.76 %. The study showed that 83.5% participants considered nutrition to be a key element of a healthy mouth. Also, around 90% of the participants were in support of evidence based dietary counselling playing a role in improving the efficiency of their routine practice. Only, little over 25% had been part of continuing dental education program on dietary counselling. Conclusion : It can be concluded that even though most of the participants agreed to the importance of dietary counselling in the dental curriculum and also in the incorporation of the same in routine dental practice, but a very small amount actually practiced dietary counselling in their routine practice.