Perception and experience of Nigerian paediatricians to dental referral for children with chronic illnesses

Abstract

Background: Interdisciplinary collaboration in the management of patients offers several advantages especially for children with chronic illnesses who are often at risk for other health conditions. Diseases in other parts of the body can be detected by a physician and lead to subsequent referral to the appropriate managing team. This study assessed the perception and experience of dental referral among Nigerian pediatricians as well as factors that may influence their decision to refer to a dentist. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data, history of exposure to dental teachings as well as experience with dental referral. Two hundred and sixty-nine pediatricians and pediatric practitioners were involved in the study. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency generated. Associations were tested with Chi Square and Statistical significance was set at P <0.05 Results: A total of 269 respondents participated in the study out of whom 142(52.8%) trained at institutions where there was a dental school. Two hundred & forty-three (90.3%) respondents had no didactic training in dentistry. Majority of the respondents 259 (96.3%) were in favor of routine professional oral check-up for children but only 83 (30.9%) endorsed the recommended bi annual oral checks. A referral rate of 0.76-1.9% was obtained. Conclusion: Although pediatricians are a known source of dental referral for children globally, a lot needs to be done to equip the physicians with the necessary knowledge and skill that will enable them participate more actively in the promotion of oral health for Nigerian children.