Linking systemic diseases with oral health: Awareness among general physician

The relationship between oral health and systemic disease exists. However, its understanding among physician is inadequate and less comprehensive in nature. Hence, a survey of 135 general physicians showed that 53.3% possessed moderate awareness and 24.4% had high awareness while 22.2% had low awareness. Knowledge levels of physicians who had more than ten years of experience proved to be significantly better than others (p < 0.05). The practice of asking about oral health occurred regularly for less than 40% of providers while dental referrals reached only 28% of necessary patients. Interdisciplinary education at an elevated level should become mandatory to develop better integrated treatment approaches.