THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PEDIATRICIAN IN ORA L HEALTH-CARE PROMOTION

The degree to which the pediatrician's knowledge might contribute to p reventive dentistry is investigated. Questionnaires concerning aspects such as breastfeeding, diet, pacifier use, fluoride use, oral hygiene and the recommended moment for the first dental visit were sent to a random sample of 85 pediatricians in S. Jose dos Campos. Answers were received from 48 (56.4%) of them. Data showed that orientation about p reventive dentistry was not a common procedure among the majority of t he pediatricians, suggesting that better integration between physician and dentist is necessary if children are to grow up with general and dental health.