Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to assess the current behaviors and behavioral beliefs among dentists with regard to eating disorder specific secondary prevention practices. Methods: Employing a randomized cross-sectional study, data were collected via a self-administered paper-pencil questionnaire from 356 practicing male and female dentists. Results: A low-level of practice was observed regarding secondary-prevention of eating disorders. Statistically significant differences were observed with more female than male dentists reporting assessing patients for oral-cues (p< .001), more female dentists reporting providing patient-specific dental care (p=.038), and more female dentists referring patients with oral signs of eating disorders (p=.028). Gender differences were also observed regarding mediating factors. Female dentists, as compared to males, were observed with higher knowledge of oral manifestations of eating disorders (p=.001), higher knowledge of physical cues of anorexia nervosa (p= .002), and greater perceived severity of anorexia nervosa (p<.001) and bulimia nervosa (p<.001). Conclusions: Although the dentist may be the first health care provider to assess oral effects of eating disorders, participation may be influenced in part by the gender related health beliefs. Female dentists may be more sensitive to oral manifestations related to women's health issues. Further research is warranted exploring the mediating factors regarding clinical practice eating disorder specific secondary prevention.

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