Willingness to Treat Pediatric Patients Among Dentists in Bulgaria: A Nationwide Survey

Background: Pediatric dental care is vital for public health but access is hindered by systemic challenges, including uneven resource distribution and limited pediatric dentistry specialization. Understanding dentists? willingness to treat children is critical for improving oral health outcomes. Aim: This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the willingness of Bulgarian dentists to provide dental care to pediatric patients in their practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025, involving 234 practicing dentists (78% response rate) across Bulgaria?s urban and rural areas. A 17-question structured questionnaire assessed demographic and professional characteristics, experience with pediatric patients, perceived challenges, and motivations. The sample included 68% general dentists, 22% pediatric specialists, and 10% other specialists, represented by gender (51% female), age (34% aged 25?35, 44% aged 36?50, 22% over 50), and location (61% urban). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 with chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression to explore relationships between willingness, dentist type, location, and age. Results: Overall, 62% of dentists reported moderate to high willingness to treat children. Pediatric specialists showed the highest willingness (89%) compared to general dentists (25%). Urban dentists were more willing than rural dentists. Younger dentists (25?35 years) were more willing than those over 50 years of age. Of respondents, 58% treated children weekly, with pediatric specialists (92%) more engaged than general dentists (48%). Most (72%) served children aged 6?12 years, but only 29% treated those aged 0?2 years. Key challenges included managing children?s behavior (74%), time constraints (58%), and financial considerations (49%), with lack of training and financial issues predicting low willingness. Motivations included professional fulfillment (67%) and social responsibility (54%). Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to enhance pediatric training for general dentists and address rural disparities to increase dentists? willingness to treat children, thereby improving access to pediatric dental care and reducing oral health inequities.