Abstract
Aim: Paediatricians could play an invaluable role in the maintenance of optimal dental health in infants, children and adolescents. The aim of this study, which was carried out in September 2016, was to assess Istanbul paediatricians perception of basic oral health care in children.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among 26 Paediatricians (10 male;16 female) in the University Hospital in Istanbul. It consisted of questions on various aspects of knowledge, attitude, and role of paediatricians in preventive dental care. The data were collected and percentage frequency distributions for responses to every question were calculated. In Turkey for health staff surveys such as this one, ethics approval is not required.
Results: Twenty three(89%) of the participants reported that paediatricians are responsible for infant oral health and they routinely examine the oral cavity of their patients. Most of them 17(65%) never recommended bottle feeding at any time. All of the paediatricians reported that they gave nutritional counselling to the parents. They all said that they believe in prevention of oral diseases and 18 (69%) that they agreed with Topical Fluoride applications. Moreover, 19 (73%) considered Fluoride and Fissure Sealants to be effective for caries prevention.
Conclusion: In the present study, the paediatricians showed reasonable awareness regarding the prevention of dental caries and they all supported oral health activities and the promotion of good oral health hygiene.
The presenter of this abstract (3506) received a Colgate Travel Award
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