Perspectives of board certified pediatric dentists on adding a pediatric oral health therapist to the dental team.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of board certified pediatric dentists regarding adding a pediatric oral health therapist/dental therapist to the dental team. METHODS: A 27-item online survey was e-mailed to all diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Questions assessed knowledge and opinions regarding the concept of a pediatric oral health therapist, as well as perspectives on the parameters under which such a person could practice. Survey results were tabulated and frequency distributions calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of respondents had limited or no knowledge regarding the concept of a pediatric oral health therapist; 79% had limited or no knowledge regarding the use of dental therapists in Alaska. Seventy-one percent disagreed with adding a therapist to the dental team. Pediatric dentists practicing in the public sector were more knowledgeable and supportive. Sixty-six percent indicated they treated children with Medicaid/CHIP insurance. Of those, most disagreed that therapists would enable them to care far more children. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric dentists are generally not knowledgeable regarding the role of therapists internationally Nevertheless, the majority oppose adding such an individual to the dental team in the United States.

The 2001 Kentucky Childrens Oral Health Survey: findings for children ages 24 to 59 months and their caregivers.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to provide a 2001 benchmark of oral health status of children in Kentucky with a comparison to the most recent state (1987) and national surveys. METHODS: Using Basic Screening Survey protocols for visual screenings, a sample of 572 children ages 24 to 59 months was screened in health department clinics and physicians' and pediatric dentists' offices across Kentucky after caregivers completed a questionnaire. Screeners were provided modified Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors training materials. Analyses on the sample and population estimates were done with SAS and SUDAAN software. This weighted population estimate analysis is based on the assumption that sampled children at participating sites are representative of other children at that site, as well as children at refusing sites. RESULTS: Sample data and adjusted population estimates closely approximated each other. Population estimates indicated that 43% had untreated caries, 47% had caries experience (early childhood caries), and 31% had severe early childhood caries. Thirty-seven percent of the children needed early care, 9% needed urgent care, 39% had never been to the dentist, 44% had a history of "bad bottle behaviors," and 35% of the parents had not been to the dentist within the last year. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries is a major health and early childhood development problem in high-risk preschool children in Kentucky.