Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward Implementing CBAHI Standards among Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward CBAHI standards among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia, and to examine the relationships between these variables and relevant demographic and professional factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design was employed. Data were collected from 87 licensed dental practitioners across Saudi Arabia using a validated self-administered electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were conducted using SPSS. The study was approved by the Midocean University Research Ethics Committee (MU-REC; Approval No. Hu-2026-19). Results: Knowledge and attitudes toward CBAHI standards were at a moderate level (composite means: 3.16 and 3.17, respectively). Barriers were rated moderate to high, with insufficient management support as the most prominent (mean = 3.52). A strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.855, p < 0.001). Knowledge emerged as the sole significant predictor of attitudes (B = 0.710, p < 0.001), while attitudes were the strongest predictor of perceived barriers (B = 0.801, p < 0.001). Professional experience significantly predicted knowledge scores (F = 10.160, p < 0.001), whereas formal training did not produce significant improvements. Conclusion: Dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia demonstrate moderate knowledge and attitudes toward CBAHI standards, with significant implementation barriers. Knowledge is the key driver of positive attitudes and indirectly influences barrier perception. Redesigning training programmes, strengthening management support, and integrating CBAHI content into dental curricula are recommended to enhance compliance.