Perceptions and attitudes toward performing risk assessment for periodontal disease: a focus group exploration

BMC Oral Health

Table 1 Characteristics of Focus Group Participants (n = 52)

Characteristics	Number	Percent
Gender
Male	16	(30.8)
Female	36	(69.2)
Position
Dentist	27	(51.9)
Hygienist	25	(48.1)
Type of Practice^a
Solo practice	26	(50.0)
Group practice	14	(26.9)
Community clinic/public health	2	(3.8)
Hospital	3	(5.8)
Other: VA, academic	7	(13.5)
Clinical Experience
1–10 years	8	(15.4)
11–20 years	10	(19.2)
21–25 years	11	(21.2)
> 25 years	23	(44.2)
Frequency of performing periodontal examination
Once or more each 6 months	21	(40.4)
At least once a year	24	(46.2)
At least once every 2 years	3	(5.8)
< once every 2 years	1	(1.9)
Never	2	(3.8)
Missing	1	(1.9)
Frequency of referral to periodontist
0–24%	28
25–49%	6
50–74%	7
75% or more	7
Worked for a periodontist	3
Use of Patient Chart^a
Paper chart only	15	(28.8)
Computer chart only	8	(15.4)
Both paper and computer chart	20	(38.5)
Unclear	9	(17.3)

^aFour participants worked at more than one practices, only data applicable to their primary work is counted

ISSN: 1472-6831