[Survey of dentists' knowledge and behavior of medications used during pregnancy in Beijing area].

PURPOSE To investigate dentists' knowledge and behavior of drugs used during pregnancy in Beijing and analyze sources of influence. METHODS A cross sectional survey was undertaken among 259 dentists in Beijing. The percentage frequency distributions of correct responses regarding medication safety during pregnancy and the use of drugs were calculated. Logistic regression model was used to explore factors associated with dentists' knowledge of medications used during pregnancy with SAS 9.4 software package. RESULTS The correct rate on medication safety during pregnancy ranged from 1.93%-57.92%. The percentage of knowledge scores exceeding 8 point was only 10.42% (out of 16 points). In addition, the percentage of drugs prescribed and used during pregnancy was generally low(2.8%-27.09%). CONLUSIONS Dentists in Beijing do not have sufficient knowledge about medication used during pregnancy. Continuing education is needed and professional authorities should develop unified guidelines to standardize their clinical practice.