Objective:

To identify perceptions, attitudes and knowledge gaps regarding oral health in pregnancy among obstetricians and gynaecologists and healthcare practitioners in Latin America.

Materials and methods:

Cross-sectional study of specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, residents, general practitioners and professional nurses. Simple random sampling from a base sample of 680 healthcare practitioners. The sample size was calculated at 103 subjects, with a 95% confidence level, a knowledge prevalence of 65%, and a 10% accuracy.

A self-administered questionnaire especially designed on the basis of previous studies was used. Sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions were measured.

Results:

Of 103 professionals selected, there was a total of 84 respondents: obstetricians and gynaecologists (53.6%), general practitioners (23.8%), registered nurses (16.7%) and graduate students of the obstetrics and gynaecology specialty (6%). There was information available from practitioners in 13 out of 19 countries. Of them, 57.1% had not received any training in oral diseases. Of the respondents, 20% had a high level of knowledge, and 25% had a positive attitude.

Conclusion:

There are knowledge gaps among the different practitioners surveyed regarding oral health in pregnant women. Training and team work are recommended.

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