KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS REGARDING INFANT ORAL HEALTH CARE AMONG GYNECOLOGIST AND PEDIATRICIANS

Abstract

Introduction: Gynecologist and Pediatricians are the first to observe any dental disease in the child as they are usually approached by the parents for any illness. Many pediatric oral diseases are preventable if they are recognized and preventive care is encouraged and refer to the pediatric dentist whenever necessary. The lack of parental education in the prenatal period and the neglect of oral health care in infancy can have deleterious effect as during this period foundation of permanent dentition is laid. Hence appropriate knowledge of gynecologist and pediatricians regarding infant oral health care can lead to early diagnosis, timely referral and proper management of the same. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, awareness and practices regarding infant oral health care among gynecologist and pediatricians in Ahmedabad city regarding. Materials and Method: A cross sectional survey was undertaken among 140 gynecologist and pediatricians of Ahmedabad city. A self-administered questionnaire was personally handed over to the gynecologist and the pediatricians and collected on the same day. The data was collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The study revealed that majority of gynecologist and pediatricians need to have more knowledge regarding infant oral health care. Conclusion: As health care professionals, responsible for the overall health of children, knowledge regarding oral health is important for both gynecologist and pediatricians so that they could early diagnose and refer these patients to the pedodontist in order to avoid further spread of the disease and prevent its future complications.