Perception of Dentists about Caries-risk Assessment tools in Jaipur, India: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Caries risk assessment (CRA) is an essential element of contemporary clinical care for infants, children, and adolescents. CRA tools aid in the detection as well as documentation of caries risk predictors and let the health care professionals to be more active in identifying and referring high-risk patients for proper treatment and required prevention. The aim of the study was to assess the information-seeking behavior of dental practitioners of Jaipur regarding CRA tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the dental practitioners of Jaipur city. A 17-itemed questionnaire was personally administered to 373 dental practitioners of Jaipur and their knowledge was assessed based on the questions about CRA tools and Cariogram. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Around 80.5% of the practitioners were aware of CRA tools among which only one-fourth were practicing CRA. Significant correlation of qualification, specialty, and years of practice was found with knowledge of CRA tools, practice of CRA and preventive treatment and attitude toward risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial percentage of dentists did not practice CRA, but were interested in receiving more education about CRA and its tools.