main study 2.sav

<strong>Objectives</strong>: The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental auxiliaries in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia related to oral health care for pregnant patients.<strong>Methods: </strong>It is a cross-sectional study that uses a questionnaire survey. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were rated using the Likert scale out of 5. The questionnaires were sent to all (N=358) dental hygienists and assistants, and responses were collected in 218. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software “SPSS” was utilised to conduct statistical analysis.<strong>Result: </strong>Out of the 358, 218 responded (response rate = 61%).<strong> </strong>More than half of the respondents showed relatively good knowledge (57.3%). The majority of respondents had a positive attitude (89.4%). Regarding practice, approximately two-thirds had a good practice (67.4%). The knowledge score of hygienists was significantly higher than dental assistants, and respondents with experience in treating pregnant had significantly higher knowledge scores than others who did not have experience in treating pregnant. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between practice scores and education.<strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest the need to establish continuous education programs and adopting the best practice guidelines on perinatal oral health by dental hygienists and dental assistants.