Knowledge and attitude of paediatricians of Moradabad towards primary preventive oral health care

BackgroundPaediatricians are in an ultimate position to guide families about the prevention of oral diseases in children. The objective of the study was to determine knowledge and attitude regarding the prevention of oral diseases among paediatricians in and around Moradabad.Methods110 paediatricians registered under Indian academy of paediatrics in and around Moradabad were selected of which 93 who were willing to participate and give informed consent were considered for the study. Paediatricians were given a questionnaire consisting of practice characteristics, knowledge on risk factors, and attitude towards the prevention of oral diseases.ResultsAll of the paediatricians believe that they have a role in maintaining oral health. But as far as knowledge was concerned about ideal age for child's first dental visit only 48% knows the ideal age, while 32% paediatricians know the role of fluoride and 43% know that its prescription should be based on adequacy of child's diet. There was a significant difference between the knowledge of paediatricians who are <10 years experience and >10 years experience with the less experienced paediatricians scoring better over the senior counterparts.ConclusionPaediatricians should understand their role in promoting preventive oral health care through early referral to paediatric dentists.