"Knowledge and Management of Pediatricians About Children’s Oral Health"

Abstract

Abstract:Objective: This study aims to analyze the knowledge level of pediatricians in Turkey regarding dentistry, oral-dental health, some common oral diseases and to evaluate their approach to their patients from a dental point of view. Methods: A total of 260 pediatricians responded to a 26-question electronic survey about their personal information and knowledge about children’s oral health. The data obtained were analyzed using the t test, Anova and chi-square tests. Resultsː The survey was answered by 260 pediatricians. The mean pediatricians’ knowledge score was 9.55±2.85 (min-max: 3 to 22) and the median score was nine. The number of physicians who didn’t know that cariogenic microorganisms can be transmitted from mother to baby was 161 (62%). It was determined that the pediatricians chose the option “No idea” about protective and preventive applications such as fissure sealants (66.1%), topical fluoride applications (53.4%), space maintainer/child prosthesis (67.3%) and hence they don’t have sufficient information. Conclusionː Lack of information and training seems to limit the role of pediatricians in children’s oral and dental health. It should be ensured that there are stronger cooperation and communication between pediatric dentists and pediatricians.