title: Oral care for infants: a survey of Nebraska general dentists.
abstract: This study sought to assess the attitudes, behavior, and demographics of general dentists in the state of Nebraska concerning overall oral care of infants. A 15-item questionnaire and accompanying cover letter were mailed to 800 licensed general dentists in the state of Nebraska. The survey asked for demographic information, the number of years that the dentist had been practicing dentistry, the type of practice, the dentist's additional training (if any), and the dentist's patient base. The survey also asked questions related to a child's first visit to a dental practice. A self-addressed stamped envelope was enclosed for dentists to return the survey. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze data. Based on the results of this survey, most practitioners reported seeing children; however, only 11.9% saw children before their first birthday. Most practitioners reported performing oral hygiene procedures for young children, but few dentists surveyed provide restorative services. Most dentists reported discussing oral hygiene practices during infant oral health examinations, but few dentists discuss caries risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hospital Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: Fouad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salama
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kebriaei
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult