Survey on the Knowledge and Practices of General Physicians and Dentists in Yazd City Regarding the Causes and Treatment of Halitosis in 2020

Fatemeh  Neshati; Farzane  Vaziri; Mohammad Arab  Farashahi; Noha  Safari; Faridoddin  Fani

doi:10.18502/ssu.v33i11.21070

Fatemeh Neshati Dentist, Yazd, Iran.
Farzane Vaziri Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Mohammad Arab Farashahi Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Noha Safari Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Faridoddin Fani Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v33i11.21070

Keywords: Halitosis, Knowledge, Physicians, General dentists.

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, the widespread occurrence of halitosis has led to its classification as a distinct medical condition. Conducting local studies on this matter will facilitate the development of appropriate educational and intervention programs. These measures will help us to manage halitosis at the community level. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practice of general practitioners and dentists working in Yazd city regarding the causes of halitosis and its treatment.

Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study involved the systematic selection of 110 general practitioners and dentists from Yazd City, who completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of halitosis causes, diagnosis and treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing T-test, one-way ANOVA, Post Hoc test, and Pearson correlation coefficient for analysis. A significance level of 0.05 was established.

Results: The findings revealed that 59.1% of the participating physicians and dentists were male, while 40.9% were female. The average work experience among them was 15.02±8 years. The average knowledge score for physicians and dentists was 13.03±2.99 out of possible 20, with scores ranging from 5 to 19. No statistically significant relationship was found between the average knowledge score and the gender or workplace of the doctors and dentists; however, a direct statistical relationship was identified between the knowledge of physicians and dentists and their clinical work experience (P=0.008).

Conclusion: The results indicated that general practitioners and dentists in the city had a moderate level of knowledge regarding halitosis, its diagnosis, and treatment, with those having more extensive work experience demonstrating a higher level of knowledge. It is recommended to include this topic in retraining programs.