Most Physicians Skip Routine COPD Oral Health Checks

COPD oral health remains overlooked in routine care, with only one-quarter of physicians regularly performing assessments.

COPD Oral Health Assessment Remains Uncommon

A national survey of 1,095 physicians found that just 24.7% often or always assessed oral health when caring for people with COPD, despite growing recognition of oral health as part of comprehensive disease management.

The cross-sectional study surveyed general practitioners, pulmonologists, and critical care physicians practicing across Saudi Arabia between October 2025 and April 2026. Participants reported generally neutral to moderately favorable attitudes toward integrating oral health into COPD care, alongside moderate confidence in performing oral health-related tasks.

Routine practices remained limited. Only 30.0% of physicians often or always asked patients about oral hygiene practices, while 29.8% regularly consulted or collaborated with dental professionals.

Among the 648 physicians who assessed oral health at least sometimes, documentation in the medical record was the most common response to identifying poor oral health, reported by 45.2%. Basic oral health education was provided by 33.2%, while 31.2% monitored the problem over time. Only 19.8% reported consulting dental professionals.

Training and Confidence Shape COPD Oral Health Care

Lack of formal training was the most commonly reported barrier to incorporating oral health into COPD management, cited by 38.5% of physicians. Insufficient time was reported by 28.1%, while 24.1% were uncertain whether oral health assessment fell within their professional role. A further 22.6% cited the absence of workplace protocols.

Physician confidence emerged as a particularly strong factor. Each one-point increase in confidence score was associated with threefold higher adjusted odds of routinely assessing oral health (adjusted OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 2.26–3.99). More favorable attitudes were also independently associated with assessment.

Pulmonologists had 65% higher adjusted odds of routine oral health assessment than general practitioners. Previous formal oral health training itself, however, was not independently associated with routine assessment after adjustment.

The findings point toward opportunities for clearer clinical protocols, practical education, defined referral pathways, and closer medical and dental collaboration within COPD care. However, because the study was cross-sectional and based on self-reported practice, causal relationships cannot be established.

Although conducted in Saudi Arabia, the identified barriers provide practical considerations for clinicians seeking to strengthen comprehensive COPD management.

Reference
Siraj RA et al. Oral health in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: are physicians prepared to integrate it into routine care? Front Med (Lausanne). 2026;13:1945808. doi:10.3389/fmed.2026.1945808.

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