Evaluation of the knowledge of Tabriz general dental practitioners about gingival graft surgeries (1389)

Abstract

Gingival recession is determined by apically positioning of gingival margin to CEJ. It can be localized or generalized and affect one or several surfaces of teeth. There are controversies on the best treatment plan among researchers. As the general dental practitioners are the first persons that can diagnose and announce the patients who need gingival graft surgeries, it is crucial to recognize their knowledge and attitude toward this matter. Therefore, because it has not been performed such a study in this field in Iran, this study aimed to evaluate the Tabriz general dental practitionersE knowledge on gingival graft surgeries. Materials & Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic one. 200 general dental practitioners owing private office in Tabriz were participated in this study (94 (47%) females, 106 (53%) males). After questioners have been filled, the collected data was analyzed using descriptive tests by SPSS 14 software. The results were reported as frequency and meansE percents as well as standard deviation. Finally, Chi-square or Fisher Exact analysis were utilized for evaluation of the relationship between individual demographic variables (autonomous) and dependent ones. Results: The mean dentistsE knowledge score to gingival graft surgeries was 9.47 with standard deviation of 2.05. The lowest and highest knowledge score was 5 and 15, respectively. 25% of scores was below 8, 25% between 9-11, and 25% more than 11. There wasnEt any significant relationship between the knowledge level and gender and graduation date (P>0.05). There was a significant relationship between the knowledge level and the studied university. This difference was more in Shahidbeheshti University graduates (P<0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, the mean knowledge level of Tabriz general dental practitioners to gingival graft surgeries were moderate to low. The only significant relationship was found between the knowledge level and the graduated university.