DENTAL PRACTITIONERS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE (KAP) IN CAIRO AND RIYADH REGARDING CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY)

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dental practitioners regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management, focusing on the influence of demographic factors such as gender, nationality, years of experience, and practice sector. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 174 dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The survey included questions to evaluate participants' knowledge of caries risk factors, attitudes towards CRA, and their practices in caries management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20®, Graph Pad Prism®, and Microsoft Excel 2016 to explore associations between KAP and demographic factors. Chi-square tests were used to determine the significance of these associations. Results: The study revealed that while the overall knowledge of dental practitioners regarding caries prevention is high, significant gaps exist in understanding the impact of socioeconomic factors and the effectiveness of preventive measures like xylitol. Attitudes towards CRA were generally positive, with most practitioners recognizing its importance in clinical practice. However, time constraints were identified as a major barrier to the consistent application of CRA. The study also found significant variability in caries management practices, with government sector practitioners more consistently using preventive measures compared to those in private practice. Gender, nationality, and practice sector were significant predictors of differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while dental practitioners have a strong foundation in caries prevention, addressing the identified knowledge gaps and practice variability is crucial. Continuing education programs focusing on the socioeconomic determinants of caries and the benefits of preventive measures like xylitol are recommended. Streamlined CRA processes are needed to overcome practical barriers and improve the consistency of caries management across different practice settings.