Attitudes toward and knowledge of collaboration of dental and medical practice among medical students in Southern India: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Background: Enhancing oral health care services provided through inter-professional collaboration between medical and dental practitioner is important, even essential. The purpose of this study to assess the attitude toward knowledge medical-dental collaborative practice among students attending colleges in Southern India. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted interns coastal South India with prior information permission. consisted 11 questions practice. demographic backgrounds participants were also recorded. Chi square test employed for data analysis. responses obtained correlated age, gender year using Pearson’s correlation test Results: total 250 questionnaires distributed 234 appropriately completed. Most agreed that an integral part systemic health, however disagreed on compulsory rotation dentistry at a statistically significant level (p<0.05), moreover did not agree physicians having active role motivating their patients regular check-up. 82% believe check-up should be included packages under insurance. (p<0.05) difference observed 3 rd & 4 th year it found female more positive towards collaboration. Conclusions: Even though showed fairly attitudes dentistry, analysis within groups regarding worsened over academic years students. In order destigmatize foster interprofessional which would contribute higher resource efficiency standard care, continuing education both disciplines highly beneficial.