To assess the pediatricians’ knowledge on dental caries in children and their attitude towards treatment.

A questionnaire for pediatrician’s oral health knowledge was designed covering the personal information of the physician, his or her knowledge on dental caries prevention, and factors affecting knowledge of dental caries of pediatricians. This questionnaire was administered to 850 pediatricians in medical institutions, and the survey results were analyzed statistically. A bootstrap method was used to correct the results of statistical analysis to ensure they would be reliable.

According to the analytical results of the 850 valid questionnaires, pediatricians generally had relatively poor knowledge on the prevention of dental caries. Of all pediatricians surveyed, 68.1% believed that dental caries can be transmitted to infants maternally, 60.7% were able to identify caries, 51.8% believed that primary caries must be treated, only 21.4% recommended tooth brushing starting from 1.5 years old, 27.2% recommended children to visit a pediatric dentist before 1 year old, and 69.6% knew the effects of fluoride treatment. A multiple linear regression model was established, which showed that pediatricians learned the knowledge of oral health care in school, through continued education, or through training in the undergraduate school. The hospital level was a key factor related to the pediatrician’s knowledge on dental caries.

The rate of awareness of the prevention of dental caries among pediatricians is low. Most pediatricians do not think that primary caries needs to be treated. In the future, appropriate training according to various characteristics of pediatricians should be performed to enable them to cooperate with dentists to improve the oral health of infants and young children.