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Spanish Paediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Health of Children under 6 Years of Age: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yolanda Martínez-Beneyto

    (Department of Dermatology, Stomatology and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine-Dentistry, Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB, University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain)

  • Celia Navarrete-García

    (Department of Dermatology, Stomatology and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine-Dentistry, University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain)

  • Clara Serna-Muñoz

    (Department of Integral Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain
    Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain)

  • Veronica Ausina-Márquez

    (Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, European University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Andrea Poza-Pascual

    (Department of Stomatology I, School of Dentistry, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Lejona, Spain)

  • Antonio Javier Expósito-Delgado

    (Andalusian Health Service, 23006 Jaen, Spain)

  • Ascensión Vicente

    (Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Antonio J. Ortiz-Ruiz

    (Department of Integral Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain
    Institute of Biomedical Research, IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent chronic pathology, and it has a negative impact on the oral and general health of the child patient. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Spanish paediatricians regarding early childhood caries according to the professional’s years of experience. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted by Spanish paediatricians via WhatsApp and e-mails from January to April 2021. Data were analysed using Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test and Cramer’s V test. Results: There were a total of 359 participants. Most respondents were women (81.3%) with up to 10 years of professional experience (31.2%) in primary health care and public health. In most cases, participants had an excellent knowledge of primary dentition (90.8%), but they ignored (56%) when the first visit to the dentist should occur. Regarding the aetiological factors of caries, oral hygiene and prevention, a lower rate of knowledge was observed. The majority of participants (80.8%) were not able to identify white spot lesions and enamel defects (76%). They considered that their knowledge in oral health was deficient, highlighting the need to increase their training. Less experienced paediatricians were found to have higher success rates. Conclusions: The level of knowledge and attitudes regarding early childhood caries of the evaluated paediatricians should be improved. Paediatricians had difficulties in identifying early caries lesions and enamel defects. Nevertheless, a higher level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards dental caries has been detected among paediatricians with fewer years of professional experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Yolanda Martínez-Beneyto & Celia Navarrete-García & Clara Serna-Muñoz & Veronica Ausina-Márquez & Andrea Poza-Pascual & Antonio Javier Expósito-Delgado & Ascensión Vicente & Antonio J. Ortiz-Ruiz, 2022. "Spanish Paediatricians’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Health of Children under 6 Years of Age: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9550-:d:879678
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