TY - JOUR AU - P, Poornima AU - Bajaj, Meghna AU - NB, Nagaveni AU - KB, Roopa AU - IE, Neena AU - KP, Bharath PY - 2017/02/04 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and awareness in prevention of dental caries amongst paediatricians JF - International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health JA - Int J Community Med Public Health VL - 2 IS - 1 SE - Original Research Articles DO - UR - https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/923 SP - 64-70 AB - <p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background:</span></strong>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.<strong> </strong>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.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong>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.<strong> </strong> </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong>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.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions:</span></strong>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.</p> ER -