ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess Iranian dentists’ knowledge of and attitudes towards preventive
dental care
Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted at two nationwide annual dental congresses
in 2004 and 2005 in Tehran, Iran. Dentists’ level of knowledge was assessed based
on their responses on a Likert scale (0-4) to nine statements on preventive dental
care. Higher scores indicated more accurate knowledge. Dentists’ attitudes towards
preventive dental care were rated based on responses on a Likert scale (1-7) to nine
pairs of bipolar adjectives. The respondents were to choose the response which best
described their opinion. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes. Of 1033
responding dentists, 980 (64% men) were deemed eligible for this study. Statistical
evaluation was by t-test and the Chi-square test
Results: Highest ratings were obtained for knowledge of the role of sugar consumption
(Mean±SD: 3.73±0.60), sealants (3.58±0.68), and water fluoridation (3.35±0.81) in
caries prevention; the lowest for their knowledge of the superiority of the use of
fluoride toothpaste over technique of brushing (1.11±1.09). Dentists’ attitudes towards
preventive dental care appeared most positive regarding its usefulness (Useful — Useless;
6.67±0.94), value (Valuable — Worthless; 6.59±0.98) to the community and for its status
as a scientific (Scientific — Unscientific; 6.47±1.06) subject. Overall, female dentists
had more favourable attitudes towards preventive dental care than male colleagues
Conclusions: Preventive dentistry should be emphasised in dental education in order
to update dentists’ knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive dental care. (Eur
J Dent 2007;1:222-229)
Key words
Preventive dentistry - Dental care - Iranian Dentists - Dental Education
