The attitude of polish dentists towards children treatment

Abstract

Introduction. The dentist’s attitude towards treating children influences the success of dental treatment and can be shaped by the healthcare system, appropriate preparation for treating young patients, and the use of various methods of cooperation. Aim. The aim of the study was to present the dentists’ approach to the treatment of juvenile patients and to discuss treatment procedures and factors, which have an influence on communication and treatment planning. Material and methods. The study included 736 dentists. The questionnaire consisted of 46 questions and covered topics related to socio-demographic data, number of treated children, pharmacological premedication, adaptation visits, treatment of deciduous and immature permanent teeth, behavioral methods of shaping the child’s attitude, non--cooperative patients as well as dentophobia. Results. Amount of 577 questionnaires were qualified for the final analysis, women: 85.4%, men: 14.6%. The mean age was 33 ± 8.2 years. Only 17.9% of the respondents had a specialization, including 24.3% in pedodontics. Among the respondents, 85.1% treated young children up to the age of 6. Treatment of deciduous teeth without local anesthesia was performed by 18.5% of dentists. According to 84.9% of the respondents, it was possible to overcome the child’s dentophobia thanks to adaptation visits. Prophylactic procedures were performed by 98.0% of physicians, while pharmacological premedication was used by 16.7%. As much as 93.5% of dentists used glass ionomer cement to restore deciduous teeth. Non-cooperative children were referred to treatment under general anesthesia by 71.5% of the respondents. Disabled patients were treated by 60.5%. Every fourth dentist used child immobilization and every sixth expressed an interest in pedodontics courses. Conclusions. The vast majority of dentists treat children, including the youngest up to 6 years old, as well as disabled children. Almost every dentist performs preventive treatment. There is a strong correlation between the age of the dentist and the type of treatment used. Uncooperative children are referred for treatment under general anesthesia. It is possible to overcome dentophobia in young patients thanks to properly planned adaptation visits.