Knowledge and performance among dentists regarding coagulation tests in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders and patients on anticoagulant therapy

Background and ObjectivesSome of the dental procedures can cause bleeding. Bleeding control can be affected in some patients due to systemic disease or chronic anticoagulant therapy, so they may be at increased risk for bleeding events or even death following invasive dental procedures. This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge of general dentists in Qazvin city regarding coagulation tests performed in bleeding disorders during 2010-2011. Materials and MethodsA questionnaire (including 23 questions) was designed with the aid of specialists in the field of oral medicine and hematology. This questionnaire was distributed among 124 general practitioners. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15 and T-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey.ResultsThe mean score for dentists knowledge was 8.64 ± 1.20. There was no significant difference in the mean knowledge scores among male and female dentists. Tukey test showed a significant difference in the mean knowledge level among 31-40 year old and over forty year old dentists (p< 0.04). ConclusionsThis study showed that knowledge of the dentists regarding bleeding disorders is not at desirable level which requires planning for continuing education courses.