Donnish Journal of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene

November 2019 Vol. 5(4), pp. 104-111

Copyright © 2019 Donnish Journals

Original Research Paper

Knowledge and Perception of Dental Practitioners about the Oral Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia; A Cross-sectional Study

Riyadh Alhamzi, Abdullah Ashahri, Khaled Alahmari, Meshari Bin Tuwalah, and Rakan Alshehri

General Practitioners, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Accepted 10th November, 2019.

Abstract

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Objectives: To determine the knowledge and perception of dental practitioners towards the oral healthcare system of Saudi Arabia. To determine the factors associated with the dentists’ selection of working in private or public sectors. Materials and methods: The target population was dental practitioners throughout the KSA, working in both private as well as public hospitals. A total number of 1000 dentists were targeted, with an online survey sent using social media and emails. Results: 54% of private dentists believed that the dentist/patient ratio in Saudi Arabia is satisfactory (p-value: 0.001). They also showed better knowledge when inquired about the current dentist/patient ratio (p-value: 0.005). It was understood that private dentists believed the performance of private hospitals to be better than public hospitals (p-value: 0.002). Conclusions: Dental professionals prefer to work in the public sector more than the private. Knowledge of dental professionals about the dental healthcare system in KSA is average.

Keywords: Healthcare system, Private dental care, Public dental care, dental professionals, Knowledge.

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Cite This Article:

Riyadh Alhamzi, Abdullah Ashahri, Khaled Alahmari, Meshari Bin Tuwalah, and Rakan Alshehri. Knowledge and Perception of Dental Practitioners about the Oral Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia; A Cross-sectional Study. Donnish Journal of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene 5(4) 2019 pp. 104-111.