Awareness of oral ulcers and systemic disease and their relationship among dentist- a cross sectional survey

Background: Oral ulceration is a common complaint of patients attending out-patient clinics. Mucosal ulceration may be directly related to or confounded by underlying systemic diseases. Frequent appearance of painful ulcers may be the only manifestation of many underlying systemic problems. When dentists encounter these features they should enquire about other clinical symptoms, associated disorders and family history. In suspected cases patient should be advised to obtain a physician or dermatologist or a gastroenterologist consultation. Dentist can play an important role in identifying people who may have unrecognised systemic diseases. Appropriate referral and timely diagnosis can help prevent serious complications of systemic diseases.
Aim: To assess the awareness of dentists about oral ulcers and the relation of oral ulcers with systemic diseases.
Materials and Methods: A printed and validated questionnaire containing 9 questions were given to a sample of 200 dentists who were active dental practitioners including both undergraduates and post graduates of different specialities. The responses were collected and analysed. Results: 100% responses were obtained. Awareness among post graduate dentists were found to be more than under graduate dentists. There was no significant differences between male and female dentists though work experience showed a linear relationship with awareness level.
Conclusion: Our survey shows the awareness among dentists on the relationship of oral ulcers with systemic diseases seems to be inadequate. Greater emphasis should be given to this scenario by conducting continued dental education programes so that the dentists are updated with in depth knowledge in systemic diseases.