AWARENESS OF BLEEDING DISORDERS AND ANTI-COAGULANT TREATMENT IN PATIENTS- A SURVEY OF DENTISTS IN THREE DISTRICTS OF KERALA.

Background:Dentists treat their patients with both surgical and non-surgical approaches in day to day practice. Most oral lesions are treated by non-surgical approaches whereas a few of them require definite surgical approach. Surgical dental procedures inevitably result in bleeding. Achieving hemostasis can be a challenging task. This study was schemed to measure the knowledge of dentists regarding bleeding disorders, coagulation tests and anticoagulants used in their patients. Materials and Methods:In this descriptive-analytical study, a questionnaire (consist 22 questions) was designed with the help of specialists in the field of oral pathology, oral medicine, physician and hematology. This questionnaire was distributed among 200 general practitioners. Collected information was analyzed with SPSS version 16. Results:The mean mark for dentist?s knowledge regarding bleeding disorders was 9.40 ? 1.30 (categorized moderate level). There was no significant difference in the mean knowledge scores among male and female dentists. Tukey?s test displayed a significant difference in the mean knowledge level among 21 to 30 years old and over 45years old dentists (p< 0.03). Conclusion:The present research indicated that dentists? awareness of bleeding disorders is not at optimal level. So it is necessary to hold codified/check listed instructional programs and to provide the needed knowledge in this respect to dental students as well as to the dentists currently working.