Differences by age and sex in general dental practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in delivering prevention

Abstract

Although dentists in this study may lack some core preventive knowledge, many expressed very positive attitudes towards prevention and reported to be routinely offering a range of preventive measures. Younger and female dentists tended to engage more frequently in preventive activities.

Tobacco cessation support among dentists: A cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

“…The age association was reported by another study conducted among dentists in Hong Kong 10 , however another study conducted in the UK found that young dentists are more likely to give smoking cessation support 26 . In general, older age for dentists means more professional maturation as well as financial and professional stability.…”

Attitudes and barriers to providing dietary advice: perceptions of dental hygienists and oral health therapists

“…Despite these findings, it has been suggested that health professionals hold positive beliefs regarding the importance of diet counselling (14) and that effective dietary screening and counselling play a key role in the detection of potential risk factors for nutrition-related problems in patients with chronic disease or conditions (12). These results suggest that there may be barriers present preventing the provision of dietary advice by health professionals.…”

The record and delivery of caries prevention for children in a primary care setting: a multi-practice collaborative clinical audit

“…Literature reports that dentists' attitudes towards prevention are positive and in a study by Yusuf et al 19 there were high levels of self-reported routine provision of preventive care. Yet, the same study also revealed low levels of knowledge on basic preventive messages, in particular on the recommendations on fluoride concentration for toothpastes and the recommended frequency of topical fluoride varnish application.…”