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Oral Health in the Pediatric Practice Setting: a Survey of Washington State Pediatricians
Author(s) -
Lewis Charlotte W.,
Cantrell Diana C.,
Domoto Peter K.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02737.x
Subject(s) - medicine , family medicine , oral health , state (computer science) , environmental health , computer science , algorithm
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.