Factors Associated with Prenatal Dental Care from the Perspective of Dental Surgeons: A Cross-sectional Study
Giovanna Freitas Raso *
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Isadora Custódio Moreira dos Santos
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Giovanna Mendonça Soares
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Heron Ataíde Martins
José Rosário Vellano University, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Daniela Silva Barroso de Oliveira
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Daniela Coelho de Lima
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Heloisa de Sousa Gomes
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To investigate factors associated with prenatal dental care carried out by Brazilian dentists (DSs).
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Dental clinic of the Dentistry school of the Federal University of Alfenas, between January 2022 and June 2022.
Methodology: A questionnaire was administered to Brazilian DSs. The sample was selected by convenience and snowball effect from 18 states and the Federal District and were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square and Likelihood ratio tests (P < .05).
Results: Of the 1,696 responses, 586 were excluded and 77.70% represented female DSs. Statistically significant association was observed between gender and year of graduation (P = .01), with the majority of the sample being composed of female professionals (graduated between 2014 and 2022). Among who believed that myths and taboos could influence the demand for treatment, 79.50% were female (P = .01). Among those who agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic was an aggravating factor in reducing this demand, were also female (P = .02). According to lack of guidance/knowledge on the part of pregnant women was one of the main reasons reported by 31.17% of males (P = .01). Pregnant women not able to take anesthesia was one of the main beliefs reported by female DSs (P = .01).
Conclusion: There is a need for more information for pregnant patients and professionals, so that the myths and taboos that still exist don’t influence the low demand for this type of care.
Keywords: Pregnancy, prenatal care, oral health, dental care