Public attitudes toward chairside screening for medical conditions in dental settings

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the public’s attitudes and knowledge toward chairside dental screening and laboratory investigations based on demographic data. Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire regarding chairside screening was designed employing a 5-point Likert-type scale. The questionnaire was distributed to among sample of adults. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and P values. Results: A total of 573 questionnaires were completed. Most respondents were willing to have a dentist conduct screening for diseases, in particular blood measurement (89%), hypertension (85.7%) and lab result discussion (83.1%), having medical condition did not affect the willingness. The lowest reported willingness was to undergo biopsy (54%) and hepatitis screening (67.6%) Age, education, hospital, and prior chairside screening were found to be significant factors for willingness. Conclusion: The population’s willingness to undergo chairside medical screenings in the dental office is crucial for the implementation of this strategy and to deliver a holistic approach to treating patients’ medical conditions.