Knowlege and attitude in paediatric dentistry among paediatricians

Tooth decay is the main oral pathology and a worldwide public health problem. The paediatrician is the first medical professional to assess and treat children. Therefore, it is important that they are well informed. The aim is to determine the level of dental knowledge of paediatricians practising in the public and private health sectors in Catalonia (Spain).

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of the basic dental knowledge of paediatricians through an anonymous and voluntary survey of 17 questions on prevention, trauma and dental cavities. The results are segmented based on professional experience, type of centre and whether it has a paediatric dentistry area.

A total of 129 paediatricians from Catalonia participated. Almost all paediatricians (86.82%) normally perform an oral examination in a routine visit; 31.8% refer the child to the paediatric dentist when the first permanent molars have erupted, and 41.9% indicate that toothpaste should contain a minimum of 1,000 ppm of fluoride. It is proven that paediatricians practising in the private sector have greater dental knowledge than those in the public sector (p = 0.019). Experience is not related to knowledge (p = 0.0691). The paediatricians who have a paediatric dentistry area in their workplace show greater knowledge (p = 0.046).

Only half of the surveyed paediatricians follow the recommendations of paediatric societies on prevention aspects. In dental traumatology, professionals mostly follow the recommendations supported by the literature with high scientific evidence.