Knowledge of dentists and their attitude and practices of oral health care in pregnant women: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Background: Dentists’ hesitancy to treat may also deprive patients during their pregnancy of appropriate dental treatment. Aim: This study aimed to assess dentists’ knowledge, their attitude, and practice of oral health care and dental treatment in pregnant women in India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of dentists practicing in the state of Assam. Convenience snowball sampling was used to circulate the survey questionnaire online using Google Forms, among 1200 known practicing dentists. The questionnaire had 3 domains, which included knowledge of the dentists regarding dental treatment and oral health care during the period of pregnancy, attitude of the dentists toward dental treatment and oral health care during pregnancy, and dental treatment practices during pregnancy. Results: 351 responses obtained during the survey were evaluated using descriptive statistics and using the Chi-square test where applicable. 70.09% were female dentists, 80.34% were Bachelor of dental surgery degree holders, and 67.52% had experience of 0–5 years. A participant with more than 5 years of experience responded correctly in the majority of the questions as compared to a participant with less experience ( P < 0.00001). The study finds a gap between knowledge and what is practised among dentists. Conclusion: There should not only be curriculum improvement and continuing dental education programs for dentists, but the pregnant women and their antenatal care providers should also be imparted the relevant knowledge and awareness on oral hygiene and oral health care during the period of pregnancy. Setting up uniform guidelines and improving interprofessional collaboration shall also be beneficial.