ISPUB.COM The Internet Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology Volume 13 Number 1 1 of 4 Pediatricians Take On Oral Health Care Of Children M Virdi, M Kaur, S Mittal Citation M Virdi, M Kaur, S Mittal. Pediatricians Take On Oral Health Care Of Children. The Internet Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology. 2010 Volume 13 Number 1. Abstract Objective - To find the knowledge of pediatrician regarding preventive dental care in National Capital Territory of Delhi. Method- This study was designed as a telephone survey. Phone numbers were retrieved from the local classified lists. Fifteen pediatricians from each district were randomly selected. Identified practicing pediatricians were called up and interviews sought. Results- Among the pediatricians interviewed 30 (33.70%)asked the patient to be taken to a dentist for a routine checkup ,whereas 59(66.26%) asked for a dental check up only in case the patient reported any dental problem. 42(47.19%) pediatricians knew about the availability of specialized branch of dentistry dealing with oral health care of children. Conclusion- The ultimate success of preventive dentistry is very much dependent upon the knowledge and function of the medical group concerned with children. Therefore it is of prime importance that the knowledge of pediatrician regarding preventive dental care be known and if need be enhanced regularly. INTRODUCTION Pediatricians are the first medical professionals who will examine the new born and continue to be responsible for general health up to adolescence. Pediatricians need knowledge and skill in addressing children's oral health because of the prevalence of dental disease, which would enable early detection, referral and intervention for the children needing dental care. Early professional intervention can substantially reduce or totally eliminate the effects of oral disease (1). There is a limited amount of oral health subject matter and importance in the medical education ,therefore pediatricians need to be updated about the oral health care needs of the children(2). Pediatricians are in a unique position to contribute to the oral health of their young patients and parents would follow their recommendations (3). Early intervention provides the opportunity to educate parents in many areas such as good oral hygiene, establishing proper feeding habits, prevention of nursing caries and dental injuries (4). The importance of prevention, diagnosis and treatment is necessary to restore and maintain the oral health of infants, children and adolescents and it can never be overemphasized. Comprehensive health care cannot be achieved unless dental care is a strong priority in all health service programs (5). Pediatric visits present crucial opportunities to counsel families, identify high-risk children, initiate timely dental referrals and ensure delivery of preventive interventions. As with immunizations, pediatricians can help construct the first lines of defense against oral disease. Considering all these aspects, a study was conducted in New Delhi (India). The aim of the study was to assess pediatricians’ views about oral health care in the capital city of India. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was designed as a telephone survey. Phone numbers were retrieved from the local classified lists. National Capital Territory of Delhi is divided into nine districts namely Central Delhi , North Delhi , South Delhi , East Delhi , North East Delhi , South West Delhi , New Delhi , North West Delhi , West Delhi . Fifteen pediatricians from each district were randomly selected .One week before the telephone survey began, identified practicing pediatricians were called up and study explained and an appointment for the interviews sought. The telephone survey was conducted between September 2010 and December 2010, and calls were made by interviewers who used a standardized questionnaire and simultaneously entered responses. Those who did not respond on the first day were requested to re- schedule the interview. At the end of the 4- month period, 89 of the135 selected physicians (65.92%)