This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of dental professionals regarding new classifications in periodontics, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental professionals working in Saudi Arabia. One hundred eighty dental professionals responded to the structured, self-reported, and close-ended questionnaire. Results showed that 97.3% of the dental professionals agreed to stay updated with the current protocols in periodontics, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Nearly 33.9% of the respondents knew about the 4 Stages and 3 Grades of periodontitis based on the updated 2017 classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.
Only 14.4% of respondents knew that 240 mg/dl is the critical blood sugar level for any dental treatment. While 36.1% were aware that the cut-off fasting blood glucose level for emergency extraction is 180 mg/dl. Only 15% agreed that 234 mg/dl is the cut-off point of blood sugar level after 2 hours from the last meal. 40% considered systolic and diastolic blood pressures of 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg stage I hypertension. Nearly 30.6% agreed to seek a physician’s consultation before proceeding if the patient’s systolic and diastolic blood pressure is 180 mmHg or higher / 109 mmHg or higher. Most (71.7%) of the study participants knew that antihypertensive medications cause xerostomia. Majority of the dental practitioners participated in this study lacked knowledge regarding new guidelines for diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, dental practitioners are encouraged to attend additional conferences and lectures to remain updated on the latest guidelines of dental practice related to diabetes and hypertension.
