Public Attitudes Toward Chairside Screening for Medical Conditions in Dental Settings

Azizah Bin Mubayrik,¹ Sara Al Dosary,¹ Reema Alshawaf,¹ Reem Alduweesh,² Shada Alfurayh,² Tagreed Alojaymi,² Malath Tuwaym,² Daniyah Alsuhaibani,² Ebtihal Aldaghri<sup>2

1</sup>Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Science Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; ²College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Correspondence: Azizah Bin Mubayrik
Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Science, Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, 3680 King Saud University Unit No. 3ar, Riyadh 12372 − 7453, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email aalmobeirik@ksu.edu.sa

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.

Keywords: chairside screening, dental, medical conditions, public