Knowledge of paediatricians regarding child oral health.

BACKGROUND: In dentistry, clinical practice is directed towards attitudes that promote oral health and the paediatricians occupy a privileged position in this process. AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of paediatricians in relation to the oral health of their patients. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Institute of Integrative Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira, Recife, Brazil. A total of 182 paediatricians participated by filling out a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 63.9% believed the first visit to the dentist should occur before the child completes 1 year of life. Moreover, 67.8% considered their knowledge on oral health to be insufficient. Approximately 78% of the paediatricians diagnosed caries through an analysis of cavities. Only 29.9% always recommended fluoride dentifrice. The term 'fluorosis' was unknown by 48.3% of the respondents. Concerning pacifiers, 32.6% did not allow it and 66.9% did not either recommend it or restrict it. A total of 83.4% classified the oral health content in their medical education as either nonexistent or deficient; this figure remained high (72.4%) in relation to residency. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to develop oral health information programmes to paediatricians. Information on oral health should be included in medical curricula and residency.

Anxiety and fear of dental treatment among users of public health services.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the degree of anxiety and fear in patients treated at the dental school clinics of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Brazil) regarding the different types of treatment offered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was made up of 400 patients from both genders over 18 years of age treated between July and October 2007. Data collection was carried out through the administration of validated questionnaires by a calibrated researcher. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Gatchel's Scale were used to evaluate the degree of anxiety and fear among the patients. RESULTS: There was a 23.0% prevalence of dental anxiety; 9.5% were very anxious, 13.5% were anxious and 77.0% were not anxious. Women were more anxious than men (20.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P = 0.995). The age group that exhibited the highest prevalence of anxiety was 30 to 39 years (29.3%). Regarding fear, 13.5% felt extreme fear; 30.5% felt moderate fear and 56% felt no fear. Schooling was the only significant socioeconomic factor for both anxiety and fear. In the association between fear and anxiety, 38.9% of the patients with extreme fear were classified as very anxious. CONCLUSION: The majority of individuals were classified as non-anxious and without fear regarding dental procedures.