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

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.

Dental Practitioners’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Caries Risk Assessment and Management: A Cross-sectional Survey in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda

“…In the present study, majority (>70%) of the dental practitioners correctly identified caries as a multifactorial disease and several risk factors for caries ( Table 2 ) consistent with previous studies. 16 , 17 , 19 In addition, most participants correctly identified indicators of caries that include white lesions and interproximal lesions ( Table 2 ) in contrast to previous studies. 16 , 17 White lesions are the earliest visible changes on tooth due to caries and prompt application of preventive measures for these early lesions provides a very significant opportunity to stop caries progression to the stage at which surgical intervention is required.…”

“… 16 , 17 , 19 In addition, most participants correctly identified indicators of caries that include white lesions and interproximal lesions ( Table 2 ) in contrast to previous studies. 16 , 17 White lesions are the earliest visible changes on tooth due to caries and prompt application of preventive measures for these early lesions provides a very significant opportunity to stop caries progression to the stage at which surgical intervention is required. 7 Thus, the dental practitioners in Uganda need to be urged to offer preventive procedures and minimal invasive services aimed at remineralization of these early carious lesions.…”

“…1 ) similar to dentists in Iran. 16 The inadequate practices of caries prevention and management might be because most of the dental practitioners were managing caries using the traditional surgical-restorative approach as reported that a majority (70.7%) of the participants felt that caries management mainly included providing dental restorations ( Table 2 ). However, CRA has become the cornerstone in the modern management of dental caries due to the current understanding of the caries process and its prevention.…”

Current Novel Caries Diagnostic Technologies: Restorative Dentists’ Attitude and Use Preferences

“…Keeping track of each NCDT's strengths and limitations, while assessing their possible usefulness in daily dental practice and trying to reach an evidence based informed decision is especially is very important [15] yet challenging with busy clinicians' daily routines [32]. However, such difficulty does not seem to hinder the rising interest of dental practitioners in acquiring evidence-based intel regarding the newest caries detection and monitoring devices on the market [62,63]. This interest is noted in the current study, where most participating RDRs reporting their interest in NCDTs as a discussion topic.…”

Clinical practice guideline adaptation for risk-based caries management in 18- 55 years old Iranian adults

“…As there is controversy among different available guidelines on risk-based management of caries and insu cient knowledge and practice regarding caries risk assessment and risk management (25), the purpose of the present study was to adapt an evidence-based CPG for risk-based caries management in 18-55 year-old Iranian adults.…”