Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and awareness in prevention of dental caries amongst paediatricians

Authors

  • Poornima P Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka
  • Meghna Bajaj Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka
  • Nagaveni NB Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka
  • Roopa KB Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka
  • Neena IE Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka
  • Bharath KP Department of Pedodontic and Preventive Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere-577004, Karnataka

Keywords:

Pediatrician, Knowledge, Dental caries, Oral health, Early childhood caries, First dental visit

Abstract

Background:Early assessment of the oral health status of children has the potential to reduce or even eliminate oral diseases. Paediatricians are considered a perfect and reliable source for oral health control and prevention. In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and awareness of paediatricians in the prevention of dental caries in 3 district quarters, India.

Methods:A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 123 registered paediatricians in Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Karnataka directory and digest 2011-2013, Karnataka society. Out of which, 42 did not participate as their email address were not available. 29 sets of questions were mailed to all 81 paediatricians.  

Results:The response rate of the survey was 90% (70 out of 81), a total of 59% felt that the frequency of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in their O.P.D was at least once a week. 51% responded that bacteria causing dental caries cannot be transmitted between mother and child. 53% felt that 1 year would be ideal for first dental visit. 64% of pediatricians were not aware that fluoride dentifrices and dental sealants will prevent dental caries.

Conclusions:In general, pediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and awareness regarding oral health and prevention of dental caries was not satisfactory. It is essential to develop oral health information programs to pediatricians.

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Published

2017-02-04

How to Cite

P, P., Bajaj, M., NB, N., KB, R., IE, N., & KP, B. (2017). Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and awareness in prevention of dental caries amongst paediatricians. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 2(1), 64–70. Retrieved from https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/923

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Original Research Articles