Table 3 Mean and standard deviation (SD) of single-item barrier factors and test results (chi-square) by background variables

Participation in a training course on diagnosing and preventing caries lesions

3.58

0.61

0.51

0.93

Willingness to examine children orally after training

3.44

0.68

0.92

N/A*

Examining children’s mouth is one of my official tasks

3.11

0.86

0.47

0.30

Able to recognize severely decayed teeth now

3.09

0.57

0.06

0.12

Believes that breast milk may cause tooth decay

3.15

0.71

0.66

0.59

Considers eating sugary food several times a day is harmful

1.49

0.50

0.53

0.42

Thinks that children consume sugary food several time a day

2.93

0.96

0.37

0.09

Agrees that oral hygiene should start before teeth appear

2.60

1.17

0.41

0.15

Agrees that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears

2.51

1.04

0.95

0.70

Considers cavities in primary teeth acceptable because they will be replaced

2.18

0.91

0.10

0.71

Knows that it is common for children to sleep with a bottle in the mouth

1.97

0.83

0.82

0.64