Knowledge, attitudes and practice of pediatricians in relation to oral health

Abstract

Primary health workers have an important role in oral health promotion. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practice of pediatricians regarding dental caries. A total of 96 pediatricians working in the public health service of Goiânia - GO, Brazil, answered the questionnaire. From these, 94.8% and 96.9% reported that they were aware of dental caries etiology and prevention, respectively; and 89.6% examined children’s teeth in their consultations and gave advice to the parents. Oral hygiene and fluoride were the most commonly mentioned methods of prevention; only a few pediatricians were aware of the role of sugars in the etiology of dental caries. The majority agreed that pediatricians as well as dentists should play a role in oral health education of patients, but only 24.0% said that their own level of information was satisfactory. Pediatricians need to be better informed about the role of sugars in dental caries, so that more correct information can be given to the parents.