Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the role of nonsurgical periodontal therapy in improving
glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult T2DM patients with mild‑to‑moderate periodontal disease,
reporting to a tertiary care diabetes center in South India, from January to June 2014, were enrolled
in the study. Medical management of T2DM along with diet and physical exercise was an inclusion
criterion. Patients with factors affecting periodontal health and an inability to follow‑up were excluded
from the study. All patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling, root planing, and
irrigation of chlorhexidine [0.12%]). Periodontal status and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were
assessed preoperatively and 6 months posttreatment. Dental status, diabetic history, and demographic
characteristics were recorded to evaluate confounding roles.
RESULTS: A total of 266 T2DM patients (91 females/175 males; mean age
47.65  ±  5.93  years/range 25–55  years), fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. The mean
pre‑ and post‑treatment HbA1c levels were respectively, 8.44 ± 1.87 and 7.98 ± 1.81, with a mean
reduction of 0.46 ± 0.26 (P < 0.001). Significant HbA1c reduction (P < 0.001) was observed in patients
with good pretreatment glycemic control (0.54 ± 0.26; 7.9%), regular follow‑up (0.51 ± 0.28; 6.2%),
and good oral hygiene (0.60 ± 0.49; 8.0%).
CONCLUSION: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy is associated with significant HbA1c reduction
among T2DM patients with mild‑to‑moderate periodontitis after a 6‑month follow‑up period.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIM: Increasing incidence of medically compromised patients seeking dental
treatment and implant rehabilitation, necessitates greater knowledge toward managing such patients.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the perceptions of dental interns in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, toward dental implant therapy for medically compromised patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a convenience random sampling technique, a cross‑sectional
questionnaire‑based study was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of the interns from dental
schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data pertaining to demographic details of the participants, academic
grade point average (GPA), clinical implant training and experience and perceptions about dental
implant therapy for medically compromised patients were collected.
RESULTS: The survey response rate was 82.9% (n = 174/210; Males‑129/Females‑45). Less than
half of the interns (n = 82/174; 47.1%) had performed dental implants, out of which 41.5% (n = 34/82)
had placed implants in medically compromised patients. Most medical illnesses except controlled
diabetes mellitus and hypertension were perceived by the interns as contraindications for dental
implant placement.
CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it could be concluded that courses with a
greater emphasis toward management of dental patients with medical problems and undergraduate
implant training for such patients would result in better knowledge and perception among dental
interns regarding dental implant placement in medically compromised patients.