Knowledge, attitude and practices of pediatricians in Faridabad towards infant oral health care

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the current knowledge, attitude and practices of pediatricians in Faridabad towards infant oral health care. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among 71 practicing pediatricians which covered various aspects of knowledge, attitude and role of pediatricians in preventive dental care of infants. The collected data was tabulated and percent frequency distributions for responses to each question were calculated. Results: Out of 71 pediatricians, 64 completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 90%. Eighty-nine percent pediatricians examined the child for dental caries. Only 12% percent pediatricians routinely performed oral examination of infants while doing a general physical examination of the child for dental caries and 11% pediatricians examined the child for dental caries. All of the pediatricians gave nutritional counseling to the parents but only 4% of them counseled the parents in particular to caries risk. Only 26% of pediatricians were recommending fluoride for prevention of caries. The pediatricians were generally not aware of the pediatric dental specialty, 86% of them referred the child to a general dentist in case of any dental problem. All the pediatricians (100%) liked the concept of an association between pediatricians and pediatric dentist and establishment of a dental home along with a medical home. Conclusions: There was lack of knowledge among pediatricians regarding infant oral health care. Hence, measures should be taken to update pediatricians on recent recommendations regarding dental and oral health in order to ensure that all the patients receive timely preventive and restorative dental care.