AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore general dental practitioners' (GDP) attitude to periodontal furcation involvement (FI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey focused on diagnosis and management of periodontal FI was circulated to general dental practitioners in 7 different countries.

RESULTS: A total of 400 responses were collected. Nearly a fifth of participants reported rarely or never taking 6-point pocket charts. 65.8% of participants had access to a Nabers probe in their practice. When shown clinical pictures and radiographs of FI-involved molars, the majority of participants correctly diagnosed it. Although 47.1% of participants were very/extremely confident in detecting FI, only 8.9% felt very-extremely confident at treating it. Differences in responses were detected according to country and year of qualification, with a trend towards less interest in periodontal diagnosis and treatment in younger generations. Lack of knowledge of management/referral pathways (reported by 22.8%) and lack of correct equipment were considered the biggest barriers to FI management. Most participants (80.9%) were interested in learning more about FI, ideally face-to-face, followed by online tutorials.

CONCLUSIONS: Plans should be put in place to improve general dentists' knowledge and ability to manage FI, as this can have a significant public health impact.