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European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry
Published in: European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry 2/2019

01-04-2019 | Original Scientific Article

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding the infant oral health visit: are dentists in Ireland aware of the recommendation for a first visit to the dentist by age 1 year?

Authors: J. Djokic, A. Bowen, J. Singh Dooa, R. Kahatab, T. Kumagai, K. McKee, C. Tan, K. FitzGerald, B. Duane, D. Sagheri

Published in: European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Aim

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of dentists nationwide in Ireland regarding the infant oral health visit, and also to elucidate whether dentists were aware of the recommendation for a first dental visit by age 1 year and of what care should be provided at this visit.

Methods

A validated 10-item questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of non-paediatric dentists (non-PDs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) practicing in Ireland. The questionnaire focused on respondents’ demographics in addition to their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding the infant dental visit.

Results

Seventy-three percent of non-PDs reported seeing patients aged 0–36 months. Compared to all PD respondents, 58% of non-PDs believed that the first dental visit should occur by age 1 year. Furthermore, non-PDs provided the same care as PDs at the infant dental visit, with the exception of evaluating for fluoride needs and placing fluoride varnish. The main barrier to early oral healthcare was reported to be parents not requesting dental appointments for their infants.

Conclusions

There remains a need to increase the proportion of non-PDs in Ireland seeing infants by their first birthday. It is recommended that Irish undergraduate and continuing education courses incorporate clinical training regarding the infant oral health visit and emphasise fluoride needs evaluation and fluoride varnish application. Additionally, a nationwide health promotion initiative is indicated to inform parents of the importance of a dental visit by age 1 year.
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Metadata
Title
Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding the infant oral health visit: are dentists in Ireland aware of the recommendation for a first visit to the dentist by age 1 year?
Authors
J. Djokic
A. Bowen
J. Singh Dooa
R. Kahatab
T. Kumagai
K. McKee
C. Tan
K. FitzGerald
B. Duane
D. Sagheri
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1818-6300
Electronic ISSN: 1996-9805
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-018-0386-0

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