Perceived Barriers To Preventive Dental Care Among Practicing Dentists of Central India

Abstract

Aim: The present research aimed to assess barriers to provide preventive dental care among practicing dentists of Central India.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among practicing dentists of Madhya Pradesh state, India. A Web-based questionnaire was designed to collect demographic information and responses on a Likert scale for 12 barriers. The barriers were subcategorized as patient-, dentist- and practice-related barriers. Data collected were statistically analysed using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: The ignorance of patients for regular dental visits, considering preventive care as non-profitable, and the traditional curative nature of dentistry was considered as barriers by all the dentists. A significant difference was observed between dentists with different years of dental practice for patient’s unwilling to pay for preventive care, no respect in preventive care practice and scarcity of printed materials for dental health education. Low priority of preventive dentistry in the dental curriculum had 10.585 times higher odds among postgraduate than graduate dental professionals.Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that dentists in central India consider patients’ attitude, respect in preventive care, monetary benefits, existing curriculum and curative nature of dental practice as potential barriers to providing preventive care.