Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Preventive Dental Care among Iranian Dentists

OBJECTIVES To assess Iranian dentists' knowledge of and attitudes towards preventive dental care. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted at two nationwide annual dental congresses in 2004 and 2005 in Tehran, Iran. Dentists' level of knowledge was assessed based on their responses on a Likert scale (0-4) to nine statements on preventive dental care. Higher scores indicated more accurate knowledge. Dentists' attitudes towards preventive dental care were rated based on responses on a Likert scale (1-7) to nine pairs of bipolar adjectives. The respondents were to choose the response which best described their opinion. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes. Of 1033 responding dentists, 980 (64% men) were deemed eligible for this study. Statistical evaluation was by t-test and the Chi-square test. RESULTS Highest ratings were obtained for knowledge of the role of sugar consumption (Mean+/-SD: 3.73+/-0.60), sealants (3.58+/-0.68), and water fluoridation (3.35+/-0.81) in caries prevention; the lowest for their knowledge of the superiority of the use of fluoride toothpaste over technique of brushing (1.11+/-1.09). Dentists' attitudes towards preventive dental care appeared most positive regarding its usefulness (Useful - Useless; 6.67+/-0.94), value (Valuable - Worthless; 6.59+/-0.98) to the community and for its status as a scientific (Scientific - Unscientific; 6.47+/-1.06) subject. Overall, female dentists had more favourable attitudes towards preventive dental care than male colleagues. CONCLUSIONS Preventive dentistry should be emphasised in dental education in order to update dentists' knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive dental care.