Periodontal Risk Assessment of Participants of a Health Awareness Program

Introduction: An oral screening and periodontal risk assessments were conducted in conjunction with a Health Awareness Program for the public at the International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the periodontal risk profile of participants at the oral screening program. Methods: Oral health screening and periodontal risk assessment utilizing an online tool of the American Academy of Periodontology were conducted for participants of IMU Health Awareness Program. Computerized calculation of the risk was done automatically and the risk profile was presented as an online report form. A total of 146 participants attended the oral screening session. Only adults above the age of 18 were included in this study. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Results: 77.5 % of participants were Chinese, while 5.6 % were Malays and 9.9% Indians. Regarding the risk profile three quarters of participants was found to be in high risk category while one quarter was found to be of medium risk. Within the questionnaire it was found that 28% of the participants had gum recession, 11% had loose teeth, 61% seldom floss, 5% used tobacco and 20% had gum problems. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study it was found that a high percentage of patients was at high risk to periodontal diseases that was possibly attributed to their lack of proper oral hygiene care.