Table 3 Distribution and mean ± standard deviation of scores for the questions

Knowledge

Q1

I think that the effectiveness of fissure sealants is supported by strong scientific evidence.

5.5

8.5

21.8

27.2

37.0

3.82±1.18

Q2

There is scientific evidence for the restorative use of dental sealants.

7.0

15.5

35.5

22.2

19.8

3.32±1.16

Q3

I am familiar with the technique of placing dental sealants.

6.8

3.8

14.8

33.5

41.2

3.99±1.15

Q4

I believe that fissure sealants should be reviewed after placement.

1.8

2.0

14.0

30.0

52.2

4.29±0.90

Q5

I understand the instructions for placing sealants.

1.8

3.0

26.0

27.2

42.0

4.05±0.98

Q6

I think that sealants should only be used on newly erupted teeth

21.8

14.2

21.5

20.0

22.5

3.07±1.45

Q7

I think that sealants wear out easily.

6.0

17.5

32.8

26.2

17.5

3.32±1.13

Q8

I believe that you must perform a caries risk assessment to prevent overtreatment.

4.8

3.0

26.2

34.2

31.8

3.85±1.05

Q9

Pit and fissure sealants have adverse effects.

28.5

21.5

25.0

14.8

10.2

2.57±1.31

Q10

I believe the technique of applying a sealant is the most important aspect to the success of the treatment.

9.5

10.8

28.0

28.8

23.0

3.45±1.22

Q11

I agree that resin sealants are more effective than glass ionomer sealant.

7.6

13.0

33.6

27.0

18.8

3.36±1.15

Q12

The most important factor for adhesion to occur in sealant placement is proper acid etching.

6.8

5.5

26.2

34.8

26.7

3.69±1.13

Value

Q13

I think this technique takes time to do correctly.

39.0

35.2

19.5

5.8

0.5

1.94±0.92

Q14

The materials that are used for the placement of sealants are very expensive.

23.1

38.7

25.1

10.8

2.3

2.30±1.01

Q15

I do not use sealants very often as a preventive method because its effect is short lived.

25.0

28.2

18.0

19.5

9.2

2.60±1.30

Q16

Fissure sealants are used less than they should be.

9.5

6.8

27.1

31.4

25.1

3.56±1.21

Q17

The dental staff at my clinic communicate importance of using sealants to the patients.

8.9

13.5

36.1

19.6

21.9

3.32±1.21

Opinion

Q18

It is difficult to explain to patients what dental sealants are.

25.5

21.2

21.8

25.8

5.8

2.65±1.27

Q19

It is difficult to justify the cost of sealants to parents

15.8

18.3

31.3

22.6

12.0

2.97±1.24

Q20

I think my patients understand the benefits of using sealants.

28.0

23.0

31.1

9.3

8.6

2.47±1.23

Q21

It is necessary to promote the use of sealants amongst dentists and dental educators.

4.0

11.8

19.3

30.6

34.3

3.79±1.15

Q22

I apply sealants because the oral public health community instructs me to.

55.9

23.5

13.6

4.7

2.3

1.74±1.02

Q23

I use dental sealant in the oral public sector because it is easy to apply and patients find it comfortable.

66.5

15.8

16.3

1.5

0.0

1.53±0.82

Q24

Since working in the oral health public community, I have greater belief in the effectiveness of sealants.

42.9

18.4

25.9

8.0

4.7

2.13±1.19

Practice

Q25

I sometimes avoid dental sealants for the possibility of sealing over caries.

14.2

15.0

23.0

22.8

25.0

3.29±1.37

Q26

I think sealants, besides being a preventive method, can also have a restorative effect and can be used on incipient caries.

35.6

25.1

17.8

13.3

8.3

2.34±1.30

Q27

This sealing technique, when used alongside fluoride application, may reduce the rate of decay more significantly.

5.5

8.0

30.5

24.5

31.5

3.68±1.16

Q28

In the case of partial or total loss of sealant, I would recommend reapplication.

6.8

13.1

21.2

25.9

33.0

3.65±1.25

Q29

The most important factor for adhesion to occur in sealant placement is proper insolation.

2.5

5.0

17.6

37.8

37.0

4.02±0.99

Q30

The most important factor for adhesion to occur in sealant placement is proper acid etching.

4.0

5.3

27.9

38.9

23.9

3.73±1.01

Q31

The benefits of using sealants should be considered with regard to the patient’s risk of caries and clinicians should follow specific guidelines

2.8

8.1

38.5

25.9

24.7

3.62±1.03