Dental Professionals' Knowledge of Oral Health in Chronic Kidney Disease: Exploratory Survey

The bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) underscores the importance of oral health in CKD management. However, interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and nephrology professionals remains limited. This study assessed dental professionals' knowledge, clinical experiences, referral patterns, perceived barriers, and attitudes towards integrated oral-renal care.

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted internationally in Asia, North America, Africa, Europe, South America, and Australia from November 2025 to February 2026. The instrument explored demographics, clinical exposure to CKD/end-stage kidney disease patients, self-assessed knowledge and confidence, referral/communication patterns, barriers to coordination, and interest in interdisciplinary protocols. Data from 89 valid responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Respondents were predominantly experienced practitioners (74.2% with >10 years of practice; 67.4% had treated CKD patients; 53.9% dialysis patients). The self-assessed composite knowledge-and-confidence score for oral-renal interactions was moderate (mean 7.67/12). Referrals from nephrologists and direct interdisciplinary communication were infrequent. Primary barriers included a lack of a clear point of contact (51.7%) and a lack of shared patient records (50.6%). Oral health was rated as very or moderately important in CKD management by 94.4% of respondents, and 100% expressed definite or possible interest in formal interdisciplinary care protocols.

Despite moderate self-assessed knowledge and substantial clinical exposure, structural and systems-level barriers appear to impede the integration of oral-renal care. Dental professionals nevertheless demonstrate near-universal motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration and strong interest in formal care protocols.

Findings highlight the need for educational initiatives, standardized referral pathways, interoperable records, and policy support to advance multidisciplinary care for CKD patients.