(PO-175) Resident Attitudes Toward Caring for Children With SHCN

Author: Jennifer D. Chung, D.D.S. – Research Program Manager, Nova Southeastern UniversityCollege of Dental Medicine
Author: Maria D. Levi-Minzi, Ph.D – Assistant Professor, Nova Southeastern University
Author: Romer Ocanto, D.D.S. M.S. – Professor, Chair of Pediatric Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Author: Oscar Padilla, D.D.S. – Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Submitter: Jennifer D. Chung, D.D.S. – Research Program Manager, Nova Southeastern UniversityCollege of Dental Medicine

Individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) experience difficulty maintaining optimal oral health due to unique barriers to receiving care such as behavior, inadequate insurance coverage, and a lack of skilled dental providers. Few dental programs offer educational preparation to successfully care for children with SHCN. Data for this study was collected as part of a training program created to enhance the knowledge and clinical skills of residents in the care of those with SHCN.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine pediatric and AEGD resident attitudes related to working with children with SHCN after participating in this specialized training program.

Methods: IRB review status was exempt. Pediatric dentistry residents (N=14; more data forthcoming) were asked to complete a 21-item survey with Likert scale responses (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) assessing attitudes toward working SHCN patients. Scores range from 21-105; mean scores were calculated according to the following scale: < 2.34=negative, 2.34 to < 3.67=neutral, and 3.67 to 5=positive.



Results: Mean score for the sample was 3.72 (positive), and almost half (42.9%; N=6) exhibited neutral attitudes (mean score range: 3.29-3.67). An individual item analysis showed highest mean scores related to the need to encourage nursing staff to treat this population equally (mean score=4.93) and the need to serve those with SHCN as a service to humanity (mean score=4.86).



Conclusions: Residents seem to recognize the importance of training and commitment to providing compassionate care to this special population. In order to expand access and improve oral health outcomes among children with SHCN, residency programs should provide residents with specialized information and resources.


This research was supported by HRSA Award Number 5 D88HP20126‐12‐00.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the HRSA. There are no conflicts to report.