Cross-sectional evaluation of awareness of prevention of dental caries among general pediatricians in ghaziabad district, India.

Background: Oral diseases are largely preventable and it is hoped that with the early exposure to oral health-care activities, the prevalence of oral diseases will be reduced in children and they would be more receptive to dental services.

Aim: The present study evaluated the awareness of prevention of dental caries among pediatricians in Ghaziabad district, India.

Subjects And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the pediatricians in Ghaziabad district, India. Total subjects including in the survey were 88 pediatricians, through systemic random sampling. Both the gender was including Male-37.8% (35/88) and Female-62.2% (53/88). Pre-tested, structured and self administered questionnaire was used in the survey and data analysis was done by using 'SPSS' software version 16.0 (IBM, United States).

Results: Our study indicated that most of the pediatricians in Ghaziabad district had moderate knowledge 39.7% (35/88), followed by good knowledge 36.5% (32/88) and poor knowledge 23.8% (21/88) about dental caries. Practice guidelines and opinions of pediatricians in the survey were moderate 64.7% (57/88) in about more than half, followed by poor 23.8% (21/88) and followed by good 11.5% (10/88). The attitude for prevention of dental caries was positive in almost everybody 81.8% (72/88).

Conclusion: The present survey concluded that pediatricians in Ghaziabad district, India had a good attitude and practices, but had moderate knowledge and lacked proper awareness about dental caries.