Pediatrician Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Children’s Oral Health in a Tertiary Public Hospital in the Philippines: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background. Dental caries is a tolerated and overlooked chronic disease in the Philippines. The 2018 National Survey on Oral Health of the Department of Health found that 85.2% of Filipino children aged five years old have dental caries. Prevention and management of this disease can be established early with better collaborations between dental professionals and pediatricians who generally see children promptly in their well-baby check-ups.

Objective. The study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge, attitude, and practices on dental caries prevention among their child patients.

Method. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in March 2017 among pediatricians working in a tertiary public hospital in Metro Manila through a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on knowledge about dental caries prevention, attitude towards the importance of dental screening and oral hygiene instructions, and dental health practices.

Results. Among the 122 participants, 67.8% scored high in the oral health knowledge part, 85.0% revealed a positive attitude toward dental caries prevention, and many claimed that they frequently included dental caries risk assessment and preventive oral health education in their clinical practices.

Conclusion. Most pediatricians had high knowledge and a positive attitude toward dental caries prevention, although responses varied in the practice component. It will be valuable to continue improving the oral health proficiency of pediatricians to benefit early dental caries prevention in young patients.