Abstract
Introduction. Despite the development of non-invasive treatment options for caries management, dental caries remains a significant public health problem. The aim of the study was to explore general dental practitioners' (GDPs) interest, confidence and barriers faced when treating children. Also, the study investigated the attitude of GDPs towards undergraduate education in pediatric dentistry. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study utilising a 15-item electronic, validated and piloted questionnaire was distributed to GDPs practising in Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics analysing the responses was computed. Results and discussion. A total of 173 GDPs completed the survey. 59 respondents (34.1%) reported that GDPs should not treat children, who should always be referred to pediatric dentists. The difficulty in treating children and the lack of interest were the most indicated barriers. Full confidence was reported in examining a cooperative child (50.2%), placing a simple posterior restoration (49.7%) and extracting a primary tooth (46.2%). Respondents reported lower levels of full confidence in performing pulpectomy (8.7%), placing a rubber dam (16.7%) and administrating inferior alveolar nerve blocks (17.3%). They also showed a low level of confidence in managing dental trauma. Only over half of the respondents were satisfied with their undergraduate education in pediatric dentistry.Conclusions. GDPs demonstrated low confidence in some clinical skills, so that they should be encouraged to accept treating children. Different treatment options for caries management were highlighted. Enhancing undergraduate training in pediatric dentistry is still desired.