title: Prediction of periodontal treatment capacity.
abstract: This study analyzes factors having influence on dentists' capacity to give periodontal therapy. The data was collected by the questionnaire from 134 randomly selected Finnish dentists. The effects were examined by two- and multiway frequency tables. The results indicated that the time since graduation had the strongest single effect. Also the prediction categories dealing with continuing education and scientific interest were related to periodontal capacities of dentists. The combined effects of certain variables as sex, type of position and place of practice indicate that the cumulation of certain favourable factors is needed to accomplish periodontal therapy in Finland. It was concluded that the promotion of periodontal care can be realized reliably by improved levels of undergraduate and postgraduate education.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003815:Dentists; D003816:Dentists, Women; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D012737:Sex Factors