Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists towards oral health in children: a survey in Turkey.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general pediatricians (GPs) and pediatric subspecialists (PSs) practicing in Turkey toward oral health in children. A national sample of 642 pediatricians who attended the Turkish National Pediatrics Congress completed a survey consisting of 36 questions. The results are segmented based on sex, years of experience, and whether the pediatrician was a general pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist. Relationships between dependent categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test. Four hundred eighty-seven questionnaires were completed, resulting in a 75.8% response rate; 69.8% of general pediatricians and 74.1% of pediatric subspecialists recommended the first dental visit before the first year or eruption of the first teeth; 62.6% agreed that pediatricians have a role in inculcating oral hygiene habits in patients; 98.2% of the respondents indicated they had performed oral examinations on their patients since birth; 72.8% of PSs suggested bottle-feeding to their patients, whereas only 33.5% of GPs did; 65.4% of PSs, 78.2% of GPs (p = 0.003), and 76.8% of the physicians with <5 years experience recommended fluoridated toothpaste under 2 years of age. There were statistically significant differences between the knowledge and attitudes of GPs and PSs. Female respondents were more knowledgeable than male respondents about oral health in children. Additionally, years of experience did not correlate with increased knowledge and proper attitudes toward oral health in children.