Abstracts

Rationale: Access to dental care and delivery of quality dental health services are important for people living with epilepsy. Controversy exists about the relation of societal knowledge and attitudes regarding epilepsy. We conducted a survey to examine knowledge and attitudes among dentists, and how would it influence access to dental care.Methods: A standardized questionnaire that evaluated knowledge regarding epilepsy as well as attitudes towards and willingness to provide dental care to persons with epilepsy was administered to all dentists in the city of London, Ontario, Canada.Results: 196 out of 288 dentists completed the survey (68% response rate), 27% were females, and 76% were general dentists. Most of them have never known anybody with epilepsy (92%) or seen anyone having a seizure (72%). Knowledge was weakest for the approximate prevalence of epilepsy in the population, hereditary epilepsy and several other etiologies, recognition of nonconvulsive seizures as a type of epilepsy, and knowledge of antiepileptic drug-induced teratogenicity. Attitudes were found to be variable and not uniformly favorable. 3 and 14%, respectively, showed negative bias against persons with epilepsy having children and equal opportunity for occupational employment. 2 and 6%, respectively, showed attitudes against letting their children associate with somebody with epilepsy, and letting somebody of their close family marry a person with epilepsy. A significant group of respondents (21%) would put something in the mouth of a patient having a seizure while in the dental office to prevent choking; or would hold the patient tight. Of major importance is that 7% of dentists would refuse to provide services to patients with epilepsy, and the reasons were family and other patients’ concerns (as they may become reluctant to see the practitioner again).Conclusions: Attitudes were of concern, particularly knowing that the surveyed population belongs to the health professions’ group. The results affect directly on the access to dental care of persons living with epilepsy. Results also indicate a lack of knowledge among an important percentage of dentists in London, which perhaps could be improved on with an educational intervention.