Knowledge and attitude of health-network physicians toward pediatric oral health in Tehran in 2016

Abstract

Objective Previous studies have shown the lack of oral health content in medical school programs. The aim of our study is to investigate knowledge and attitude of pediatric oral health care among public health physicians in non-affluent areas in 2016.
Methods Our sample was public health physicians in non-affluent areas of Tehran (n = 107) and the data collection tool was a selfadministered questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude toward pediatric oral health, tendency and perceived necessity to gain oral health information, demographic characteristics and practice background were sections of our questionnaire.
Results The response rate was 79%. Knowledge scores of 19.5% and attitude scores of 45.3% of the participants were in the highest quartile while the correspondent highest quartile scores for the necessity and tendency of gaining oral health information were 74.1 and 13%, respectively. Those with more knowledge of pediatric oral health, feeling more necessity and reporting more tendency to gain oral health information were more likely to have positive attitude toward pediatric oral health.
Conclusion The irrefutable lack of pediatric oral health care knowledge was seen among public health physicians of non-affluent areas of Tehran. If an understanding of preventive care in children become more relevant among public health physicians, they will show better dental health.