What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to evaluate the dental services general practitioners provide to children and the factors that influence referrals to pediatric dentists.

February 2, 2026

Cross-Sectional Study of Pediatric Dental Services and Referral Patterns Among General Dental Practitioners in Isfahan

Key Points

The research aims to evaluate the dental services general practitioners provide to children and the factors that influence referrals to pediatric dentists.
Surveyed 252 general dental practitioners using a validated questionnaire.
Collected data on demographics, services provided, and referral reasons.
Analyzed data using statistical tests such as Mann-Whitney and chi-squared.
75% of general dental practitioners provide dental treatments to children, mainly aged 6-14.
Inadequate proficiency in pediatric dentistry is the main reason for non-provision.
Common services include fissure sealant therapy, behavior management techniques, and restorations.
Referrals are influenced by the pediatric dentist's reputation and ability to manage patients.

Abstract

Background and Aim: This study assessed dental services provided to children by general dental practitioners in Isfahan and explored factors influencing referrals to pediatric dentists. Materials and Methods: Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional study surveyed 252 general dental practitioners in Isfahan. An electronically administered, validated researcher-made questionnaire collected data on demographics, pediatric dental services, reasons for non-provision, and referral determinants. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-squared tests (α=0.05). P-values less than 0.05 will consider statistically significant. Results: Of the participants, 121 (48%) were female, with an overall mean age of 31.33±6.79 years. Seventy-five percent of general dental practitioners provided dental treatments to children, with a preference for those aged 6-14. Inadequate proficiency in pediatric dentistry emerged as the primary reason for non-provision. Commonly offered services included fissure sealant therapy (58.3%) for permanent teeth in preventive care, tell-show-do technique (55.2%) in behavior management, amalgam restoration of permanent teeth (66.3%) in restorative services, and direct pulp capping of permanent teeth (41.3%) in pulp therapy. Trauma management and space maintenance services were less frequently provided. Key factors influencing referrals included the specialist's reputation (20.8%) and their ability to handle patients effectively (16.6%). Conclusion: The study reveals that three-fourths of general dental practitioners in Isfahan extend dental services to children. Notably, referrals were significantly influenced by the reputation and patient-handling proficiency of pediatric dentists. In light of these findings, implementation of continuous education programs aiming at augmenting the knowledge and skills of general dental practitioners in the field of pediatric dentistry is recommended.

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Cite This Study

Enshaei et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980ffc6c1c9540dea81290b https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.34172/jida.a-10-1-998

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