Delivery of periodontal therapy by general practitioners in Singapore

The objective of this survey was to determine the capacity of general practitioners to deliver periodontal therapy. This study revealed that only 33% of the dentists surveyed routinely carried out periodontal therapy. The remaining 67% selectively or seldom delivered periodontal therapy. Of the variables investigated, the only variable which played a significant role in the delivery of periodontal treatment was the time since graduation of the dentists, all other factors had no significant influence. 35% of practitioners who had graduated less than 5 years ago routinely carried out periodontal treatment, whereas 50% of practitioners who had been in practice for more than 20 years seldom carried out periodontal therapy. The possible reasons for not delivering periodontal treatment more frequently are discussed.