Knowledge and attitude of dental students about oral health considerations in patients with renal problems

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate dental students about oral health considerations in patients with renal problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted based on a questionnaire containing 15 questions about prevention, clinical aspects, and attitudes toward oral health considerations in patients with renal problems. One hundred and thirty-three undergraduate dental students between the third and final years were enrolled in the study. The statistical significance was measured using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: There was a predominance of females (58.65%). Interrelationship between dental and medical problems such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been noticed in most of the students (92.48%), and uremic stomatitis is the most commonly (68.66%) observed terminology among them. Other oral manifestations were reported by 48% of students from all three groups. However, students did not have enough knowledge regarding the dental management of these patients. Conclusions: Students have a good knowledge of the etiology of oral health consideration in patients with renal problems and are apparently alert in their examinations. The clinical aspects of the oral health consideration in such patients, however, are not so clear.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• dialysis
• oral health
• periodontitis