A 22 year comparison survey of dental knowledge in Al-Jubail antenatal clinic population

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare dental knowledge between two generations of pregnant women attending the same antenatal clinic in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross sectional self administered questionnaire was conducted among 252 pregnant women in three different antenatal clinics. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v. 21), p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most surveyed women were knowledgeable about dental health issues, although a large percentage did not visit dental clinics regularly during pregnancy. Results showed a decline in dental knowledge, compared with data collected 22 years ago. Pregnant women participating in the current survey had more dental problems and underwent more dental procedures than did those participating in the previous survey. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show a decline in dental knowledge and oral health in pregnant women of the current generation, compared with those of the previous generation. Antenatal clinics should educate pregnant women more about the relationship between good oral and fetal health.