Evaluation of Dentists’ Knowledge in Bandung City Regarding Patients with Special Health Care Needs and Behavior Management in Dental Care

Abstract

Abstract Aim: This study conducted in Bandung City aimed to evaluate the knowledge of dentists in behavior management for individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) in dental care. Materials and Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted using a survey method with purposive sampling. A total of 310 dentists, including 232 general dentists and 78 dental specialists, participated in the study. A questionnaire, serving as the research instrument and containing 19 questions, underwent validity and reliability analysis before distribution to the participants. The questionnaire was distributed through two methods: hard copies were distributed by visiting health centers, clinics, and hospitals in Bandung City, while soft copies were distributed through online surveys on the social media platforms of the Indonesian Dental Association in Bandung City. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents (220) had a good level of knowledge in behavior management for individuals with SHCN. Additionally, 88 respondents demonstrated a sufficient level of knowledge, while only 2 respondents exhibited a low level of knowledge. The average knowledge level score among the respondents was 80.3%, falling within the good category. Conclusions: Dentists’ knowledge regarding behavior management in dental care for SHCN in Bandung City is in a good category. The study concluded that dentists in Bandung City possess adequate knowledge in identifying and managing the behavior of individuals with SHCN in dental care.