Magnitude and determinants of interactions between dentists and dental supply representatives in Saudi Arabia

The relationship between dentists and dental supply representatives is not as well known as that between physicians and pharmaceutical sales representatives.

To estimate the magnitude, associated factors and characteristics of the interaction between dentists and dental supply representatives in Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dentists working in major governmental and private hospitals in different regions of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all participants, either in electronic or paper format, depending on the proximity of the participants. A total of 672 participants completed the survey (response rate, 67.2%).

Approximately 68% of participants reported an interaction with dental supply representatives. Saudi dentists had a lower interaction with dental supply representatives than non-Saudi dentists (65.1% vs 73.1%). Dentists working in private hospitals had more interactions with dental supply representatives than those working in public hospitals (78.1% vs 63.2%). Compared to residents and interns, dental consultants and specialists had more interactions with dental supply representatives. Dentists who had a prior history of working abroad showed more interactions with dental supply representatives than those with no such history (75.9% vs 63.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following characteristics were independently associated with greater dentist-dental supply representatives interaction: male sex, older age, living in the eastern region, unsure about income satisfaction, certain job titles (such as specialists), and certain specialties.

Dentists have a high number of interactions with dental supply representatives in Saudi Arabia. Most of the issues identified are common to those seen in other parts of the world.