Cardiac risk factors for dental procedures: knowledge among dental practitioners in Wales

To determine knowledge and educational needs of dental practitioners in Wales regarding congenital or acquired cardiac disease and the provision of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Self-administered postal questionnaire.

Cardiff University Dental Hospital, district general hospitals (HDS), all general dental practices (GDP) and community dental service (CDS) clinics throughout Wales. Methods A questionnaire sent to 1,182 dentists in Wales in 2004-5.

528 questionnaires were returned (a response rate of 45%). These were analysed using one-way analysis of variance to compare summary scores between the occupation groups. Significant differences in knowledge of cardiac risk factors for infective endocarditis and for dental procedures requiring cover were observed between the occupation groups. The majority of dentists (92% GDPs, 94% CDS and 77% HDS) requested postgraduate education in cardiac risk factors and laminated flow diagrams for their surgeries as the preferred educational format.

The knowledge of Welsh dentists regarding cardiac conditions or procedures which are risk factors for paediatric and adult patients varied according to place of work. The study identified potential for under- and over-prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis within the current guidance. There was confusion as to which patient groups and cardiac conditions required prophylaxis and for which particular dental procedures. Postgraduate education detailing advances in cardiology practice is necessary for dentists.