Premium
Childhood Overweight and Orthodontists: Results of a Survey
Author(s) -
Huang Jeannie S.,
Becerra Karen,
Walker Edward,
Hovell Melbourne F.
Publication year - 2006
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.1752-7325.2006.tb04087.x
Subject(s) - overweight , referral , medicine , psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , obesity , family medicine , nursing
Objectives: A survey among orthodontists to assess clinical procedures of overweight screening and nutrition intervention among youth was conducted. Methods: Orthodontists identified through professional society membership were invited to participate via email. The web‐based survey collected information regarding overweight screening, nutrition counseling, and referral habits. Results: 91% of 111 respondents reported counseling children and families on nutrition recommendations. Referral of overweight youth to a dietitian or pediatrician was sporadic. Orthodontists who felt that overweight had a severe negative impact on dental health were more likely to screen patients for overweight and perform dietary counseling for all patients than orthodontists who felt the impact of overweight on dental health was less severe. Conclusions: Orthodontists report regularly engaging in dietary discussions with their pediatric patients and may serve as important clinical advocates for healthy dietary choices among youth. Overweight screening and referral practices among orthodontists to appropriate health professionals should be further evaluated as interventions for pediatric obesity.