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Acta Odontológica Latinoamericana
Print version ISSN 0326-4815On-line version ISSN 1852-4834
Abstract
SHINKAI, Rosemary SA et al. Phytotherapy: knowledge, experience and prescription in oral healthcare. A cross-sectional survey of dental practitioners. Acta odontol. latinoam. [online]. 2023, vol.36, n.3, pp.140-149. Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 0326-4815. http://dx.doi.org/10.54589/aol.36/3/140.
Herbal medicine is widely used as an integrative complementary treatment for common chronic diseases, yet potential risks include adverse effects and coprescription
Aim
This exploratory survey assessed Brazilian dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding phytotherapy
Material and Method
This study used a consecutive sample of registered dentists who were active in clinical practice and attending advanced training for complex oral rehabilitation at a leading dental school in Latin America. Participants responded to a semi-structured 38-item instrument designed to collect data on sociodemographic, professional and health variables, and on their knowledge, use, prescription and opinions of phytotherapy. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were described and analyzed with a thematic approach
Results
A total 53 dentists responded the survey (88.3% response rate). Six dentists reported formal education in phytotherapy and 33 had informal knowledge. Twenty-one dentists (39.6%) reported using herbal medicine, and 17 (32.1%) prescribed phytotherapy to their patients, mostly traditional medicinal plants. A logistic regression model showed that post-graduate degree and personal use of phytotherapy were associated with phytotherapy prescription. Opinions on how to improve the rational use of phytotherapy included the need for research evidence, specific academic education, and knowledge dissemination to clinicians. As a clinical recommendation, it was proposed that questions on herbal medicine should be asked during the dental patient’s anamnesis
Conclusions
Dentists with post-graduate degrees and personal use of phytotherapy prescribe herbal medicines for their patients in real-world clinics, regardless of formal education on the subject. Qualitative findings indicate the need to implement scientific initiatives.
Keywords : herbal medicine; oral health; perception; phytotherapy.