Table 3.
Level of knowledge of different aspects of preventive dental knowledge (PK’s) among the dentists in Kathmandu, by gender (Range 1–4; strongly disagree – disagree – agree - strongly agree; 5 = don’t know. High score reflect high level of knowledge. n=178, Median (range)
| Variables | Total† | Female | Male | p-value†† | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge about fluoride | |||||
| PK1 | Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste prevent tooth decay | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–2) | 2 (1–3) | 0.84 |
| PK2 | Using fluoridated toothpaste is more important than the brushing technique to prevent caries | 3 (1–5) | 3 (1–4) | 3 (1–4) | 0.15 |
| PK3 | Fluoride is the most important factor for tooth susceptibility to decay | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–4) | 2 (1–4) | 0.47 |
| PK4 | Fluoridation of the drinking water is an effective, safe, and efficient way to prevent dental caries* | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.009 |
| PK5 | It is beneficial to recommend fluoride tablets and/or topical fluorides for children in areas without a fluoridated water supply | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.34 |
| Knowledge about sugar | |||||
| PK6 | The frequency of sugar-consumption has a greater role than the total amount of sugar consumed in causing caries | 1 (1–5) | 1 (1–3) | 1 (1–2) | 0.90 |
| PK7 # | Sugar-free chewing gum has a positive effect on dental health | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.15 |
| Knowledge about xylitol | |||||
| PK8 # | Xylitol is not only non-cariogenic, but also suppresses the growth of acidogenic bacteria in dental plaque | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.60 |
| Knowledge about sealant | |||||
| PK9 | Sealant is effective in prevention of pit and fissure caries in molars | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–2) | 2 (1–2) | 0.33 |
| Knowledge about frequency of dental visit | |||||
| PK10 | It is beneficial to visit a dentist for regular check-ups | 1 (1–2) | 1 (1–2) | 1 (1–2) | 0.42 |
| Knowledge on gingival health | |||||
| PK11 | Regular brushing helps in prevention of gum problems | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 1 (1–3) | 0.67 |
| PK12 | Gingivitis is caused by dental plaque | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–2) | 0.46 |
| PK13 | Gingivitis can be cured by effective oral hygiene | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.69 |
| Knowledge on dental and general health | |||||
| PK14 | Having dental problems can lead to general health problems* | 2 (1–5) | 2 (1–3) | 2 (1–3) | 0.046 |
| MEDIAN all answers (PK1-PK14) | 1.929 (1–4) | 1.857 (1–4) | |||
†Missing answers excluded (n = 17)
†† p-value-t-test for differences between genders
*p < 0.05
# excluded during factor analysis due to large number of missing response
High score reflect high level of knowledge). n = 178, Median (range)