Clinical Coordinator I-Health Educator University of Florida. College of Dentistry, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science.
Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Aneesha Amarnath, DMD, Pediatric Dentist.: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Scott L. Tomar, DMD, MPH, DrPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Maria E. Davila, DDS, MPH, DrPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Lauren Governale, DMD, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objective: The study sought to identify predictors of dental treatment completion among children with urgent dental needs (UDN). Methods: This prospective cohort study included 3rd graders in 33 Collier County schools who participated in NCEF Community Outreach Program’s Basic Dental Screening Survey at beginning of the 2019–2020 school year. 219 children were identified as having UDN. Caregivers of children with UDN received mailed notification that their child had UDN as well as follow-up phone calls. Caregivers were requested to return letters to the Program once dental care was initiated to confirm the child’s status. Caregivers were called on the day of screening, after 1 month, after 3 months, and at the end of the school year. Program staff collected information on demographics, dental needs, and dental history. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with receiving dental care for UDN. Results: Of 219 children with UDN, 99 (45%) had dental treatment completed or in progress. Receiving dental care was significantly associated with having an established dentist (odds ratio [OR] = 13.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.55 – 31.34) relative to not having a dentist, and having Medicaid coverage (OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.26 – 5.61) relative to being dentally uninsured. Conclusions: A large proportion of schoolchildren with UDN in Collier County, FL may not receive needed care. Efforts to establish dental homes and provide coverage for treatment may help reduce the prevalence of unmet needs for urgent dental care.
Source of Funding: Research supported by the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF)
