The Oral Health WorkforceOral Health and Pediatricians: Results of a National Survey
Section snippets
Methods
Data were collected via the AAP Periodic Survey of Fellows, which informs policy, developing initiatives, and modifying or evaluating existing projects.9 In 2008, Periodic Survey #70 focused on oral health within pediatric practices. Survey items were developed by the AAP Division of Health Services Research in conjunction with experts from the AAP Partnership to Reduce Oral Health Disparities in Early Childhood Project Advisory Committee. The survey addressed pediatricians' practices and
Characteristics of Respondents
After 7 mailings, 1103 completed questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 68.2%. Analyses were limited to the 698 postresidency pediatricians (63% of all respondents) who provide health supervision. The average respondent was in his or her 40s and worked full-time in direct patient care (Table 1). Most practiced in suburban communities and in group practices.
Training in Oral Health Care
Approximately 36% of respondents reported previous oral health training: 13% had received at least some during medical school, 16%
Discussion
These results indicate that pediatricians see it within their purview to educate families about preventive oral health and to assess patients for dental caries. However, relatively fewer respondents reported actually performing oral health–related activities. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of adopting new practices and adhering to recommendations. Lack of confidence in one's abilities, particularly for performing a dental examination and applying fluoride varnish, seems to diminish
Acknowledgments
Dr Mouradian acknowledges the US Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau Leadership Education in Pediatric Dentistry grant (T17MC000020), the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, the Washington Dental Service/Washington Dental Service Foundation, and the Oral Health Institute for support of this work.
Funded by a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (G97MC06336-01), and supported by the American Academy of
References (17)
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, Md: US...
Oral health risk assessment timing and establishment of the dental home
Pediatrics
(2003)- et al.
Policy Statement. Preventive oral health intervention for pediatricians
Pediatrics
(2008) - et al.
Availability of dental appointments for young children in King County, Washington: implications for access to care
Pediatr Dent
(2005) - DHHS Office of Inspector General. Children's Dental Services Under Medicaid: Access and Utilization. San Francisco,...
- et al.
US predoctoral education in pediatric dentistry: its impact on access to dental care
J Dent Educ
(2003) - et al.
Infant oral health education in US dental school curricula
Pediatr Dent
(2001) - et al.
Preventive dental care for children in the United States: a national perspective
Pediatrics
(2007)
Cited by (104)
Pediatricians' Knowledge of Children's Oral Health: A National Survey
2023, International Dental JournalCitation Excerpt :To achieve an estimated 50% response rate, the minimum number to invite was 448. A structured questionnaire was adapted from previous surveys in the literature.21-25 Then, it was piloted with a group of 10 paediatric residents and 10 paediatricians who were not included in the study results.
Incorporating Oral Health into Pediatric Practice: National Trends 2008, 2012, 2018
2022, Academic PediatricsFluoride Prescribing Behaviors for Medicaid-Enrolled Children in Oregon
2022, American Journal of Preventive MedicineWhat is the association between income loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and children's dental care?
2021, Journal of the American Dental AssociationRecruitment strategies for a pragmatic cluster randomized oral health trial in pediatric primary care settings
2021, Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications