Factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines among general dentists.

BACKGROUND: Current research highlights a need to investigate the factors affecting periodontal disease referral. Limited literature exists on periodontal disease referral in Australia and no comparison to the periodontal disease referral guidelines exists.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines in general dentists in Queensland, Australia.

METHODS: Fifty-seven general dentists who are members of the Australian Dental Association (Queensland) undertook an online survey.

RESULTS: The disease factor regarded as most important (90% of respondents) was unresolved inflammation upon re-evaluation. The non-disease factor regarded as most important (79% of respondents) was the operator's level of training. There is low awareness of the guidelines (36.7%) yet a reasonable adherence to them (78.3%). Of those aware of the guidelines, there was a statistically significant poorer adherence to the guidelines compared to those unaware (P = 0.036), while there is no significant difference in the adherence to guidelines between those who have and those who have not attended continuing professional development (CPD) courses (P = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to current guidelines is not significantly impacted by the level of awareness of the guidelines or CPD attendance. The results from this study suggest a need to refine the current guidelines to better inform decisions about periodontal disease referrals.