Oral Health and Systemic Diseases: Survey of General Practitioners

Overview

This cross-sectional observational study aims to assess the level of knowledge, clinical practices, and professional attitudes of General Practitioners (GPs) regarding oral health and its relationship with major systemic diseases, with particular emphasis on periodontal disease. Data will be collected through an anonymous, self-administered digital questionnaire distributed nationwide to General Practitioners practicing in Italy. The questionnaire will investigate participants' knowledge of oral diseases, awareness of oral-systemic associations, early identification of oral manifestations, educational background, and interdisciplinary collaboration with dental professionals.

The aim of this study is to conduct an exploratory survey designed to assess the level of knowledge among General Practitioners (GPs) regarding the main diseases of the oral cavity, particularly dental caries and periodontal diseases, and their associations with systemic conditions, with special attention to autoimmune, dysmetabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. To achieve this objective, an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 35 questions has been developed, with an estimated completion time of approximately 10-15 minutes. The questionnaire is intended to investigate participants' familiarity with terminology related to periodontal disease, particularly the terms "periodontitis" and "pyorrhea," which are used to describe the same clinical condition, as well as their level of knowledge regarding its manifestations and clinical implications. The survey will further investigate General Practitioners' ability to recognize oral signs and symptoms potentially associated with local or systemic diseases, as well as the frequency with which these aspects are considered in routine clinical practice and patient assessment. Information will also be collected regarding previous education and training in oral health-related fields and knowledge of major risk factors associated with oral diseases, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, and medications with significant oral health impact. Analysis of the collected data will provide insight into the extent to which oral health is integrated into general medical practice, highlighting potential educational gaps and challenges in the early recognition of oral alterations. In addition, the study will assess participants' interest in specific educational and continuing professional development initiatives. The expected findings may contribute to strengthening collaboration between general medicine and dentistry by promoting shared approaches to prevention, screening, and education aimed at achieving a more comprehensive and integrated management of patients, particularly vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the information obtained may provide useful support for the development of preventive strategies and clinical protocols aimed at improving multidisciplinary patient care.