awareness regarding the effects of periodontal diseases on coronary heart system among cardiologists in tabriz, iran

background and aims. periodontal disease is common among adults and is a potential source of chronic inflammation. recent data have suggested an important role for chronic inflammation in the development of coronary heart disease (chd). the purpose of this study was to address cardiologists’ knowledge regarding the effects of periodontal diseases on coronary heart system. materials and methods. a cross-sectional study was designed for cardiologists in tabriz, iran. a total of 54 cardiologists participated in the study. each participant was given a self-administered questionnaire. it was a closed-ended questionnaire with responses presented as yes/no/don’t know choices. data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. results. cardiologists’ knowledge about periodontal disease was moderate. eighty-two percent of cardiologists agreed that inflammation is a key component between periodontal disease and chd; 76% agreed that controlling infection and inflammation is important for managing chd and 62% reported not receiving any education on oral healthcare. eighty percent of cardiologists believed that medical and dental students should be trained to work collaboratively. conclusion. it is important for educators and administrators in higher education to examine the need for interprofessional education and collaboration between medicine and dentistry.