Oral Health in the Pediatric Practice Setting: a Survey of Washington State Pediatricians

作者：Charlotte W. Lewis, Diana C. Cantrell, Peter K. Domoto · 发表于：Journal of Public Health Dentistry · 年份：2004 · DOI：10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02737.x · 被引用次数：27 · 研究领域：Dental Health and Care Utilization、Dental Trauma and Treatments、Pediatric health and respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND: Pediatric health care providers may be the only source of preventive oral health education for families of young children who lack access to professional dental care. OBJECTIVE: We surveyed Washington State pediatricians in order to characterize their oral health-related educational needs and anticipatory guidance practices. METHODS: A 38-question survey was mailed to all 606 general pediatricians in Washington State. Topics included anticipatory practices and confidence in oral health-related activities. RESULTS: Of 483 eligible participants, 271 returned completed surveys (response rate: 57%). A median of 30 percent of the well-child visit was devoted to providing anticipatory guidance. A majority (83.7%) of respondents reported providing anticipatory guidance on oral health. CONCLUSION: Washington State pediatricians are already involved in providing oral health anticipatory guidance. Certain factors are identified that should be addressed to allow pediatricians to promote oral health more effectively.