Level of knowledge and attitude of pediatricians: their commitment to the oral component

Abstract

Introduction: The approach to early childhood caries is focused on the management of risk factors. In this context, the pediatrician has a fundamental role, having the first contact with children and their families. Consequently, the attitude and level of knowledge about oral health are essential for the prevention and therapy of caries disease. Objective: To determine knowledge and attitude about early childhood caries of pediatric residents at the University of Maimonides to allow the development of oral health training program. Methodology: A survey was conducted among pediatric residents. Subsequently, based on the results, a program of lectures and clinical classes was developed in the pediatric dentistry specialty clinic of the University of Maimónides and at the Don Benito Quinquela Martín Children's Dentistry Hospital. Conclusion: The results show that pediatric academic training is insufficient to provide the necessary knowledge about oral health. However, pediatricians recognize that they have a responsibility in the prevention of oral diseases and understand that working together with pediatric dentists would reduce the prevalence of early childhood caries and improve the quality of life of children.