J Dent Hyg Sci.  2020 Dec;20(4):261-268. 10.17135/jdhs.2020.20.4.261.

A Survey on the Status and the Importance of Initial History Taking in Dental Clinics in S Area

• Lim DS
• Jung IH
• Im AJ
• Lim HJ

• KMID: 2510026
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2020.20.4.261

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive history taking at the first visit could be an important start of treatment. This study investigated the current status of the initial history taking for dental patients in S area, and the implementation and importance of the initial history taking process. Based on this, we intend to provide basic data for the development of organized and standardized questionnaires in dental clinics.
Methods
In April 2019, 303 dental clinics in S area were targeted and special dental clinics (orthodontics, children, and disabled) were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items, including general characteristics, systemic disease history, dental history, oral health behaviors, and the data were obtained through self-administered questionnaire.
Results
Initial history taking was mostly implemented using oral and questionnaire at the time of the first visit. Systemic disease history, dental history, and oral health behaviors differed in the work experience of the dental clinic staff. As a result of analyzing the importance according to implementation, there were significant differences in all questions except drug-related items. The importance of the questionnaire was highly recognized, but the reason it was not actually implemented was because of existing the questionnaire in the clinic and lack of time.
Conclusion
Considering that the initial history taking implementation rate showed low, it is necessary to develop standardize a practical questionnaire and interview skills for dental clinics in the future. In addition, training programs should be provided to dental staff that can recognize the importance of initial history taking questionnaires and contribute to active implementation.

Keyword

Implementation; Importance; Initial history taking