Attitudes of general dental practitioners toward preventive approach in pediatric patients: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of general dental practitioners regarding a preventive approach in pediatric patients. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 279 general dental practitioners and employed a structured questionnaire comprising multiple items to assess their attitudes and practices related to a preventive approach in pediatric patients and data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: The survey revealed that 60.1% of pediatric patients visited the clinic frequently and 71.0% were treated directly by the dentists. A preventive approach was common (69.2%) among practitioners. Prescription practices showed that 57.1% of dentists prescribed a specified amount of fluoridated toothpaste and 62.5% preferred fluoride gel over varnish. Nonfluoride remineralizing agents were preferred by 60.0% of dentists. Glass ionomer cement (66.7%) was preferred for pit fissure sealant applications. Conclusion: The survey indicates that general dental practitioners have a positive attitude toward preventive care in pediatric patients. However, further education and knowledge dissemination are needed to enhance their understanding and confidence.