Aim: In India, dental care scenario is unique and unequally available to the general population with both government-run hospitals and private dental clinics catering to the oral healthcare needs of the patients. There is lack of studies to address how periodontal diseases are managed in general dental practice in India. This study aimed to understand the periodontal referral patterns of general dental practitioners (GDP) to a periodontist in Karnataka state, India.
Materials and methods: This study employed a qualitative approach. Purposive samples of 400 referring dentists were interviewed using structured in-depth questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of a combination of selected response to the questions and close-ended questions, which was distributed to the GDPs of Karnataka state.
Results: This survey shows deficient delivery of definitive periodontal treatment. Only 2% of the GDP reported that 80%-100% of their patients received scaling. Location of the practice appeared to have a major role in periodontal referral. Farther the location of the practice from district headquarters, poor was the referral. Clinical skill of the specialist appeared to have a major influence on the selection of specialist followed by academic qualification.
Conclusion: This survey provides insight into the periodontal referral process by GDPs in India.
Keywords: Comprehensive care; general dental practitioner; periodontal disease; periodontal treatment; periodontists; referral.