Knowledge and attitude of dental surgeons about ocular complications due to dental infection

Abstract

Background: Ocular complications such as ophthalmia, defective vision, orbital cellulitis, and blindness (temporary or permanent) are rare complications due to dental infection. Currently, there is lack of guidelines in preventing and managing ocular problems. Hence, we assessed the dentist's knowledge and attitudes about ocular complications due to dental infection. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey selecting practicing dentists or academicians was carried out through e-mail using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage). Results: Only 25% participants knew about ocular complications due to dental infection. Journals and internet were the key sources of information among dentists. Majority of participants responded that ocular complications are underreported in the literature. Large proportion (90%) of the participants advocated research on ocular complications due to dental infection. Many participants indicated the prevention of ocular complications. Conclusion: In our observation, dentist's knowledge about ocular complications due to dental infection was poor, and the awareness and practice of taking preventive measures were satisfactory. There is need for providing adequate information about ocular problems in the curriculum of dentistry. Dentists should be trained about prevention and initial management of ocular complications due to dental infection through special educations such as continuing dental educations, workshops, and symposium.

Keywords

• Dental
• ocular
• ophthalmia
• orbital cellulitis