Dental Care Practices, Beliefs and Knowledge among Pediatric Patient’s Caregivers; a Cross-Sectional Analysis at Dental Outpatient Clinics

Aim: This cross sectional survey was carried out to explore and identify attitudes and beliefs amongst pediatric patient caregivers at their first visit to (KHOP) dentistry public sector clinics in Amman-Jordan. Materials and Methods: A total of 333 questionnaires were answered by caregivers of children aged 4-10 years at their primary first visit to the pediatric dentistry clinics; the study spanned for 6 months. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tests with SPSS version 25. Results: Majority of children (71%) came as emergency visits. More than 60% of interviewed caregivers think they should start tooth brushing for their children after 5 years of age. Similarly, 57% of subjects assume use of secondary dental hygiene practices as mouth rinses as the main cleansing practice. Exploring caregiver's knowledge showed; more than half (52%) think that caries happens for reasons not under their control, while 60% believe that oral health has no effect on any systemic health conditions. Conclusion: The data suggests there is a need for oral health awareness programs and likely this need extends nationally. It is important to reach parents and caregivers early in the child's life but including school teachers and staff could also be beneficial to reinforce oral health messages as the children develop. Oral health practices need to be enhanced along with oral hygiene beliefs and knowledge.