EC Dental Science

Background: One very important thing in a child’s life is maintaining very good oral health from a young age. Preventive dental care for children is the fundamental aspect of dentistry because early visits to dental clinic are essential due to the significant relationship between caries in primary teeth and caries incidence in permanent teeth. Thus, this study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge and awareness about the timings and reasons for the first dental visit of their children in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The significance of this study is increasing the awareness and the importance of the first dental visit and its effects on children’s oral health.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive observational study, which measured the level of knowledge and awareness among parents of children reporting for their first dental visit in the Al Madinah region, Saudi Arabia. The researchers prepared a validated electronic questionnaire form and interviewed parents in hospital waiting areas or public areas such as malls and parks. The study included 276 participants.

Result: This study reported that only 11.3% of the respondents believed that the first dental visit for a child should be at the age of one year old. This study highlighted some gaps in parental education concerning pediatric dental care, regarding appropriate age, reasons for dental visits and the role of pediatric dentists. This research indicates the demographic characteristics of parents (low income, less educated, certain occupations, older parents) who require more education regarding dental care for their children.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that most parents had a lack of knowledge regarding the importance of children’s oral health care, and most of them were not aware of the timing of the first dental visit. Hence, there is a need to educate health care professionals on infant oral health care by conducting health education programs to promote good oral health.

Keywords: Dentist Visit; Pediatric Dental; First Dental Visit; Oral Health; Knowledge and Awareness

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