La promozione della salute orale in et\ue0 evolutiva: competenze e attitudini dei pediatri

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study is to determine how pediatricians consider their expertise in terms of oral health and if they intend or feel in a position to improve their knowledge and competences in this area.MATERIALS AND METHODS. 126 pediatricians were invited by e-mail to fill in an anonymous questionnaire developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For statistical analysis Chi-square test was used.RESULTS. The response rate was 56.3%; 75% of responders received an oral health training; of these, 72% had 3 hours training or less and 91% did not complete a clinical internship with a dentist.CONCLUSIONS. Pediatricians are aware of their role in the promotion of oral health, but most of them consider the training received as insufficient