Authors : Nisha Makkar, Sapna B, Supriya L B, Vinayaka Ambujakshi Manjunatha, Vishakha Pandey, Tan Min Louise
DOI : 10.18231/j.idjsr.2021.028
Volume : 9
Issue : 3
Year : 2021
Page No : 151-156
Purpose: The interrelationship between oral and general health is proven by evidence considerably over the past decades. Thus collaborative health services for high-quality, patient-centred and holistic approach is essential for management of patients. The objectives of the study was to assess the attitude and awareness of dental and medical interns towards collaboration between medical and dental practices in Davangere city.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted including 247 medical and dental interns of four colleges in Davangere city. An investigator designed, pilot tested questionnaire was used to collect data regarding demographic details and their attitude and awareness towards collaborative practices. The data was analysed and compared using Mann-Whitney U test.
Result: Out of 247 study participants, 139 (56.3%) belonged to medical fraternity and 108 (43.7%) were dental interns.48.9% medical and 68.9% dental participants agreed for the similarity between dental and medical profession and 89.2% medical and 99% dental participants were aware that oral health is an integral part of general health. Majority (95.5%) of them agreed that collaborative services enhance quality of patient care and 91.0% of them suggested important role of government in medical and dental collaboration and about 33.09% medical and 58.33% dental interns were aware of collaborative services.
Conclusion: The awareness regarding the collaboration between medical and dental practices was considerably low. The efforts should be undertaken to spread the awareness and strengthen bridge in both the medical and dental field.
Keywords: Attitude, Awareness, Oral Health, Internship and Residency, Medicaldental collaboration, Patient Care, Education, Medical, Dental