Self-reported knowledge about dental caries at young age and variations between dental practitioners in the Ministry of Health in Bahrain

OBJECTIVES: To assess basic knowledge on dental caries and its prevention especially in young children and variation thereof between dental practitioners working for the Ministry of Health in Bahrain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-reported questionnaire was sent to all dentists and dental hygienists. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four dental practitioners responded. The mean knowledge and practice scores for association between diet and dental caries was 64.9 ± 20.1. Females scored higher than males (p = 0.011) and dentists scored higher than dental hygienists (p = 0.009). A low mean score 45.5 ± 19.6 was observed in preventing dental caries in toddlers. Those >40 years of age and those with >15 years of experience have significantly higher scores than other groups (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001), respectively. Mean score for caring for children’s teeth, which covered advice on fluoridated toothpaste, was 63.4 ± 20.9. Younger dentists had higher score than those >40 years of age (p = 0.003). Mean score for frequency of fluoride varnish application was 64.4 ± 15.8 with no significant variation between practitioners. CONCLUSION: There is a need to reduce variations and update and improve dental practitioners’ knowledge in regard to risks and prevention of caries at young age.