Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dentists towards Dental Procedures under General Anesthesia in Children

Abstract

General anaesthesia is used in routine pediatric dental practice. Although they are considered effective and safe in controlling pain during dental procedures, complications related to their use appear inevitable. Aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of dentist towards dental procedures under general anesthesia. It was a university setting study. Questionnaires consisting of ten questions [Fig. 1] focused on the perceptions and experiences on protocols followed by general dental practitioners and specialists on general anesthesia. Data was entered in excel in a methodical manner and was imported to SPSS software 20. Chi square association was done to compare the responses between general dentist and specialist and were represented in the form of bar graphs. In relation to association between Qualification and common indications of general anaesthesia. (Pearson Chi Square = 2.789, P value = 0.425(<0.05), hence statistically not Significant). Among General dentists, 37.5% of them agreed with Extreme non- cooperation followed by 25% for long surgical procedures and strong emetic and 12.5% for Extreme dental fear as a common indication for general anesthesia. Among Specialists, 38.2% of them agreed with long surgical procedures followed by 35.2% for extreme non cooperation, 17.6% for extreme dental fear and 8.82% for strong emetic reflex as a common indication for general anesthesia [Fig. 5]. Both General dentist and specialist have fairly good knowledge about paediatric general anaesthesia.