ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to evaluate the application of preventive and interceptive treatment of children by dentists in private practice, in Istanbul. 304 dentists practicing in 3 different districts which were grouped as low, average and high socioeconomic levels, were included in this study. In order to determine the rate of preventive and interceptive treatment application aimed at children in dental practice, the dentists were asked to fill out a questionnaire including 13 questions. The statistical evaluation of the results that were obtained in this study was carried out by Chi-square analysis. In every socioeconomic district, 0–5 years constituted the 5 % and 6–12 years constituted the 12 % of the age profile of the patients 59,4 % of the dentists included in this study believed it to be tiresome to treat children, 37,5 % of the dentists directed the children to pedodontists, 14,3 % of the dentists stated that the gain from children's treatment was insufficient, Finally 10,7 % of the dentists didn't want to waste time by treating children. Dentists practicing in high socioeconomic districts applied fissure sealant and space maintainers more than those in the other two groups (x2; 10.80, p< 0.05 ; x2: 10.4, p<0.01). Graduates before 1980 and between 1981-1994 gave priority to fillings (57,3 %, 51,8 %), whereas dentists that graduated after 1995 prefered to give prophylactic tooth brushing education in dental practise (45,9 % ). Dentists practising in average and high socioeconomic districts did more flouride application than the other group, (x2: 20,39 , p< 0.0001). Generally dentists favoured medical consultation for the treatment of bad habits which they diagnosed in children . The information given to the parents by the dentists about oral health was not found to be sufficient. In all 3 groups it was determined that the percentage of tooth brushing and mouthrinse education and dietary habit control were each in turn 8,2 %, 32,5 % and 45,2 % respectively. So as to take an active part in preventive and interceptive treatment of children, educational programs after graduation should include the subjects of prophylaxis, preventive and interceptive treatment.