Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach

Context: Perceptions and opinions of the pediatric dentist about their specialty/profession have not been studied. Aim: This study aims to assess and explore the perceptions of pediatric dentists in India about their specialty, through a mixed-method approach. Methodology: Sequential quantitative an...

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Main Authors: Sharath Asokan, P. R. Geetha Priya, J. Parthipann, C. Sakthi, Sudhandra Viswanath
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_412_24
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author Sharath Asokan
P. R. Geetha Priya
J. Parthipann
C. Sakthi
Sudhandra Viswanath
author_facet Sharath Asokan
P. R. Geetha Priya
J. Parthipann
C. Sakthi
Sudhandra Viswanath
author_sort Sharath Asokan
collection DOAJ
description Context: Perceptions and opinions of the pediatric dentist about their specialty/profession have not been studied. Aim: This study aims to assess and explore the perceptions of pediatric dentists in India about their specialty, through a mixed-method approach. Methodology: Sequential quantitative and qualitative phases of research were conducted. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional questionnaire survey using a pre-tested pre-validated 32-item questionnaire. It was distributed to pediatric dentists in India through Google Forms. A Chi-Square test was done for statistical analysis. The qualitative phase involved one-on-one semi-structured telephonic interviews with 27 pediatric dentists regarding satisfaction and challenges they face in the specialty. Results: A total of 453 participants took part in the survey. About 33% have exclusive pediatric dental practice. About 50% of the participants felt that this profession is stressful. Based on their work experience, they were grouped into two groups Group 1 with <6 years of experience and Group 2 with >6 years of experience, there was a significant difference seen in the modes of updating knowledge updation through continuing dental education programs (P = 0.001), conferences (P = 0.001), and short-term courses (P = 0.002). About 93% of participants in Group 2 were life members of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry membership (P < 0.001). Five themes were derived from the qualitative analysis: pediatric dentistry by choice, scope of pediatric dentistry, Challenges faced by pediatric dentists, strategies for overcoming challenges, and job satisfaction. Conclusion: Pediatric dentists have a positive opinion and attitude toward their specialty. They also felt that their specialty has a large scope in the future. Their major challenges were parental attitude toward pediatric dentistry and neglect of oral health and treatment.
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spelling doaj-art-1559eacb7bf94ecc815a910b0bb936e72025-08-20T03:08:32ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry0970-43881998-39052025-01-01431808710.4103/jisppd.jisppd_412_24Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approachSharath AsokanP. R. Geetha PriyaJ. ParthipannC. SakthiSudhandra ViswanathContext: Perceptions and opinions of the pediatric dentist about their specialty/profession have not been studied. Aim: This study aims to assess and explore the perceptions of pediatric dentists in India about their specialty, through a mixed-method approach. Methodology: Sequential quantitative and qualitative phases of research were conducted. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional questionnaire survey using a pre-tested pre-validated 32-item questionnaire. It was distributed to pediatric dentists in India through Google Forms. A Chi-Square test was done for statistical analysis. The qualitative phase involved one-on-one semi-structured telephonic interviews with 27 pediatric dentists regarding satisfaction and challenges they face in the specialty. Results: A total of 453 participants took part in the survey. About 33% have exclusive pediatric dental practice. About 50% of the participants felt that this profession is stressful. Based on their work experience, they were grouped into two groups Group 1 with <6 years of experience and Group 2 with >6 years of experience, there was a significant difference seen in the modes of updating knowledge updation through continuing dental education programs (P = 0.001), conferences (P = 0.001), and short-term courses (P = 0.002). About 93% of participants in Group 2 were life members of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry membership (P < 0.001). Five themes were derived from the qualitative analysis: pediatric dentistry by choice, scope of pediatric dentistry, Challenges faced by pediatric dentists, strategies for overcoming challenges, and job satisfaction. Conclusion: Pediatric dentists have a positive opinion and attitude toward their specialty. They also felt that their specialty has a large scope in the future. Their major challenges were parental attitude toward pediatric dentistry and neglect of oral health and treatment.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_412_24job satisfactionmixed-method approachpediatric dentistsstress
spellingShingle Sharath Asokan
P. R. Geetha Priya
J. Parthipann
C. Sakthi
Sudhandra Viswanath
Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
job satisfaction
mixed-method approach
pediatric dentists
stress
title Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
title_full Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
title_fullStr Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
title_full_unstemmed Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
title_short Perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty – A mixed-method approach
title_sort perceptions of pediatric dentists on their specialty a mixed method approach
topic job satisfaction
mixed-method approach
pediatric dentists
stress
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_412_24
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