Evaluating Knowledge and Approach of Medical Practitioners towards Pediatric Dentistry in Hafar

Aim: To raise awareness, regarding the scope of practice in Pediatric Dentistry, among medical practitioners working in the Pediatrics Department. Material and Methods: Members of the Office of Director of Dentistry in Hafr Al Batin visited all the hospitals and conducted a paper-based survey. Pediatricians and resident doctors working in the pediatric department were asked to fill a questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information regarding personal details, knowledge, approach and awareness towards pediatric oral health. A total of 122 responses were collected, and their results analyzed. Results: A total of 122 responses were collected of which 62 were pediatricians and 60 were physicians. The average age was 41 years. Most Pediatricians knew about Pediatric dentistry as a separate specialty in dentistry whereas most physicians were unaware of it. The scope of practice of pediatric dentists, especially in handling patients with special needs were not known to many of them. The overall response was unsatisfactory. Conclusion: Most of the consultants and specialists Pediatricians were aware of Pediatric Dentistry as a distinct specialty. The survey found out that a significant number of doctors were oblivious of the scope of practice, especially in the management of patients with special needs, under general anesthesia. A dedicated CME program was conducted to spread awareness among the concerned doctors, and suggestions made to improve the services. Introduction: The Director of Dentistry in the Ministry of Health, are consistently focused on improving the dental services in Hafr Al Batin. Various steps were taken to develop and improve the services. It includes providing dental treatments to patients with special needs, under general anesthesia. Since it’s a new addition to the services being provided by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, a survey based research was planned to evaluate the Mohammad Furaih Alanazi et al. / Evaluating Knowledge and Approach of Medical Practitioners towards Pediatric Dentistry in Hafar Al Batin 5545 International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Invention, vol. 08, Issue 07, July 2021 knowledge of Pediatrician and physicians regarding Pediatric dentistry. Parents are less concerned about the oral health and dental issues of children, thus the importance of routine visits for dental checkups is often disregarded. Parents do visit Pediatricians several times during the child's early life. So, Pediatricians are considered to be the most reliable source for oral health evaluation and referrals to Pediatric Dentists. A closer liaison between Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentist can enhance the quality of services provided to pediatric patients and patients with special needs. Material and Methods: A list of Pediatricians and Physicians working in this field was obtained through various government and private hospitals under the Directorate of Hafr Al Batin. A comprehensive questionnaire was prepared based on studies done by Yahya and Solmaz, Rangeeth Bollam Nammalwar et al, Giuseppe et al(6,2,7). A paper-based survey was conducted by members of the office of the Director of Dentistry in Hafr Al Batin. A total of 122 responses were received. The questionnaire was divided into the following four sections; 1. Individual details including Name, age, sex, medical background 2. The approach of the practitioner towards pediatric dentistry and factors affecting it. 3. Their knowledge about the age at which Pediatric oral healthcare should begin, maternal considerations, preventive methods, and various common treatment methods. Importance regarding identification of early childhood caries (ECC) has been included in this part of the questionnaire along with the cariogenic potential of medicated syrups. 4. Previous training on oral health received by the practitioners was recorded and their willingness to receive training if given a chance. Results: A total of 122 responses were collected of which 62 were Pediatricians and 60 were Physicians. The average age was 41 years. Table 1: Questions evaluating the approach towards Pediatric dentistry Questions Response (Yes) Response (No) Do you know there is an exclusive specialty of dentistry called as pediatric dentistry? 110 (90.16%) 12 (9.8%) Do you know that we have four specialist pediatric dentists in our specialized dental center? 5 (4.10%) 117 (95.90%) Do you know the importance of primary teeth? 70 (57.37%) 52 (42.63%) Do you know how to examine primary teeth? 30 (24.5%) 92 (75.4%) Do you know Importance of referral to specialist pediatric dentist in cases of early childhood caries and special care needs pediatric dental patients? 28 (22.95%) 94 (77.04%) Do the Parents not prefer referral? 84 (68.85%) 38 (31.1%) Mohammad Furaih Alanazi et al. / Evaluating Knowledge and Approach of Medical Practitioners towards Pediatric Dentistry in Hafar Al Batin 5546 International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Invention, vol. 08, Issue 07, July 2021 Table2: Pediatric dental patient who comes with acute condition Question Pediatric Dentist On call


Introduction:
The Director of Dentistry in the Ministry of Health, are consistently focused on improving the dental services in Hafr Al Batin. Various steps were taken to develop and improve the services. It includes providing dental treatments to patients with special needs, under general anesthesia. Since it's a new addition to the services being provided by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, a survey based research was planned to evaluate the knowledge of Pediatrician and physicians regarding Pediatric dentistry. Parents are less concerned about the oral health and dental issues of children, thus the importance of routine visits for dental checkups is often disregarded. Parents do visit Pediatricians several times during the child's early life. So, Pediatricians are considered to be the most reliable source for oral health evaluation and referrals to Pediatric Dentists. A closer liaison between Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentist can enhance the quality of services provided to pediatric patients and patients with special needs.

Material and Methods:
A list of Pediatricians and Physicians working in this field was obtained through various government and private hospitals under the Directorate of Hafr Al Batin. A comprehensive questionnaire was prepared based on studies done by Yahya and Solmaz, Rangeeth Bollam Nammalwar et al, Giuseppe et al (6,2,7). A paper-based survey was conducted by members of the office of the Director of Dentistry in Hafr Al Batin. A total of 122 responses were received.
The questionnaire was divided into the following four sections; 1. Individual details including Name, age, sex, medical background 2. The approach of the practitioner towards pediatric dentistry and factors affecting it. 3. Their knowledge about the age at which Pediatric oral healthcare should begin, maternal considerations, preventive methods, and various common treatment methods. Importance regarding identification of early childhood caries (ECC) has been included in this part of the questionnaire along with the cariogenic potential of medicated syrups. 4. Previous training on oral health received by the practitioners was recorded and their willingness to receive training if given a chance.

Results:
A total of 122 responses were collected of which 62 were Pediatricians and 60 were Physicians. The average age was 41 years.   Depending on the findings of the survey the Office of Director of Dentistry in Hafar Al Batin decided to conduct a CME program for awareness regarding Pediatric Dentistry and its scope of practice among these doctors. The outcome of this program was satisfactory and it was instrumental in elevating the level of services provided.

Conclusion:
Most of the consultants and specialists Pediatricians were aware of Pediatric Dentistry as a separate specialty. They were not well informed about the scope of practice, especially in the management of patients with special needs under general anesthesia. A dedicated CME program conducted by Office of Director of Dentistry in Hafr Al Batin was very helpful in spreading awareness among the concerned doctors. Further improvements can be made by providing regular training to the health practitioners to identify oral health issues among children at an early stage. Medical schools can include a training program in their curriculum for Pediatricians and family physicians to recognize the oral health issues among children.