RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diabetes Educators' Knowledge, Opinions and Behaviors Regarding Periodontal Disease and Diabetes
JF American Dental Hygienists Association
JO J Dent Hyg
FD American Dental Hygienists Association
SP 82
OP 90
VO 86
IS 2
A1 Mary H. Lopes
A1 Janet H. Southerland
A1 John B. Buse
A1 Robb M. Malone
A1 Rebecca S. Wilder
YR 2012
UL http://jdh.adha.org/content/86/2/82.abstract
AB Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine certified diabetes educators' (CDE) knowledge, behaviors and opinions about periodontal disease and diabetes. Methods: A 33 item questionnaire was distributed to CDEs who provide counseling and education services to patients with diabetes. Questions were open and closed–ended and Likert–scale. A total of 298 CDEs participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Results: Most (62%) agreed that CDEs need to collaborate with dental professionals in disease management and 84% indicated interest in an oral health component being added to their continuing education. Only 20% felt confident in providing an oral health screening to their patients, while 51% discussed oral health with their patients and 64% said they have referred a patient to a dentist within the past year. Most (79%) have not received formal oral health education. Conclusion: The findings indicate that CDEs are aware of and agree that there is a link between oral health and systemic health and that collaboration with the dental profession would be a positive outcome for their patients, as would oral health topics being added to their continuing education courses. By introducing inter–professional collaboration between dental professionals and CDEs, and adding an oral health component to CE courses, CDEs' ability to educate their patients regarding the oral/systemic link could improve.