A Survey of Knowledge Level about Pediatric oral/dental Health among Pediatricians

Abstract

Pediatricians play a central role in children’s health care and are the first line of care for oral/dental
conditions. The level of pediatrician knowledge about oral/dental health is not accurately determined.
In this cross-sectional study, a previously adapted questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of oral/
dental health knowledge among pediatricians affiliated with medical universities in Tehran, Iran. The data
were summarized through descriptive statistics and central index tests. In this study, 263 pediatricians
(49.4% male) completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 43.9 years. Only 17 individuals (6.5%) had
completed a course of oral/dental health during their residency. The mean score was 5.9 ± 1.7. Questionnaire
scores were similar between male and female pediatricians. Time from graduation and completion of an
oral/dental health course was not associated with better performance according to the questionnaire. The
level of knowledge about oral/dental health among pediatricians is inadequate. Most pediatricians have
not completed a training course on this matter. These findings highlight the need for integrated training
programs to improve pediatrician knowledge about oral/dental health.