Factors Associated with Prenatal Dental Care from the Perspective of Dental Surgeons: A Cross-sectional Study

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.