Examining US Pediatric Residents’ Oral Health Care Knowledge, Training, Practices and Perceptions

Abstract

Pediatric residents nationwide (n=187) completed an anonymous survey designed to assess their confidence and knowledge surrounding oral health topics, level of oral health training in residency, attitudes regarding pediatricians’ role in oral health care, and likelihood of performing specific oral health tasks. On average, pediatric residents reported feeling “moderately knowledgeable” about preventive oral health topics and “slightly knowledgeable” about developmental oral health topics. Overall, residents answered 62% of preventive oral health questions and 46% of developmental oral health questions correctly. Residents reported receiving low levels of oral health training, with 5 out of 9 oral health topics covered by fewer than 50% of respondents. Most residents agreed that pediatricians play an important role in oral health care but fewer residents routinely performed oral health tasks. Increased emphasis on this subject in residency education is essential for the promotion of children’s oral health.