Assessment Of Patient Compliance After Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

Aim and objective:
Periodontal maintenance therapy is indispensable for patients with history of periodontal conditions. Recall visits are considered as an integral part of periodontal therapy. One of the challenges encountered by the clinicians is the noncompliance of patients for maintenance therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate the factors that potentially affect the compliance of periodontal patients after nonsurgical periodontal therapy
Methodology:
A total of 100 patients who got treated for periodontal conditions but have not reported for further follow up were taken for the study. A set of ten relevant questions for noncompliance were framed and put forth to the patients through telephonic conversation and they were suggested to choose reason for their noncompliance.
Results:
Majority of the patients (34%) reported that they cannot take leave from work for recall visits. Approximately 26% cited the reason as travel inconvenience/ relocation and around 23% of the patients reported that they were feeling good and consider no further treatment as necessary.
Conclusion:
According to the findings, nearly half of periodontal patients fail to comply because they are unable to take time off work or because travelling is inconvenient.The noncompliance indicators are population specific which should be identified and modified for the benefit of the patients.