Prevalence of Dentists Knowledge, Attitude and Recommendations about Denture Cleansers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and Aim: Denture cleansers have been widely used in prosthodontics for cleaning and maintaining dentures. Lack of Riyadh dentists 'denture cleansers recommendations baseline data exists. The aim is to study Prevalence of Dentists' Knowledge, Attitude and Recommendations about Denture Cleansers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: On IRB approval a mailed Questionnaire survey among Dentists practicing in Riyadh was conducted during June 2020. Registered Dentists practicing in Riyadh 411 were recruited by Quota sampling. Pre-tested, validated, close ended Questionnaire was developed by review of literature and expert opinion. Participants responded voluntarily to mailed questionnaire on their background and knowledge about denture hygiene and denture cleansers, attitude and recommendations about denture cleansers, Opinion and Perceived barriers in recommending denture cleansers. Data entry and analysis was done using 16.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago IL) version 16.0. ANOVA test compared knowledge and attitude scores with independent variables. Significance level set (P <= 0.05) at 95% CI. Results: Total 42 Dentists with PHD (mean score14) and 48 dentists working both as faculty in dental college and as private practitioner had fair knowledge (score 12.5) compared to 96 MDS and 273 BDS dentists reporting poor knowledge. Attitude scores were lying within agree category in all 3 groups, scores on higher side in PHD dentists (score 12.7). Majority 50% dentists recommended brushing only followed by combination of brushing and soaking in 41%. Denture cleansing tablets were recommended by dentists (40%) and in 74% of dentists with PHD. 78% of dentist's perceived lack of denture cleansers knowledge as barrier for recommendations. Conclusion: Poor denture cleansers knowledge and lack of consensus for recommendation exist among Riyadh's dentists. This mandate evidence-based guidelines compliance and enhance denture cleansers knowledge by strengthening of dental manpower training and further by continual education besides extending market availability.