Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Caries Risk Assessment and Management in General Dentists- A Cross Sectional Survey.

Corresponding Author:
Molook Torabi,
School of Dentistry,
Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran.
E-mail: m.torabi.p@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that caries risk assessment (CRA) is the basis for management of dental caries in patients. The CRA can contribute to identifying people at high dental caries risk. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of general dentists in the city of Kerman about CRA.

METHODS

The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 general dentists in the city of Kerman, Iran. Data collection tools consisted of demographic data and 10 questions of knowledge, 10 questions of practice, and 7 questions of attitude regarding the researcher-made CRA, whose validity and reliability have been measured previously. Data was analysed using SPSS software with ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, 55.6% were male. The mean age was 38.98±8.11 years. The mean knowledge, practice and attitude score was 6.79±1.46, 15.31±3.45 and 11.25±1.64 respectively. Female dentists had a significantly better practice. There was a statistically significant association between the positive response to participation in the courses of new methods of caries control with practice and attitude.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of knowledge and practice of individuals was inadequate; but, their attitude was appropriate. The practice of people on the introduction and application of anti-caries agents such as fluoride varnish and ACP-CPP, was inadequate. The knowledge on white spot as a caries lesion was poor. Training courses are recommended on the identification of initial caries lesions and their management via anti-caries agents.

KEY WORDS

Caries, Caries Risk Assessment, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Dentist