27 - DENT ECHO: Improving Knowledge and Intentions to Provide Comprehensive Oral Care for Vulnerable Populations

Abstract:

Objectives: Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) is an internationally recognized “all teach, all learn” model. In accordance with ECHO, the Dental Education Network for Texas (DENT ECHO) was launched in 2021 at UT Health-San Antonio. DENT ECHO provides opportunities for advanced oral health education aimed at assisting dental teams in providing comprehensive care to members of the community.

Methods: Ten bimonthly meetings were conducted offering participants continuing education credits. Sessions consisted of a relevant and timely didactic presentation and a case study. Qualtrics was used to develop a brief online pre and post assessment asking knowledge questions, and a 5-point Likert scale was used for attitudes, confidence, and intentions questions. Analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

Results: The sessions engaged 571 participants. Participants’ self-confidence for providing care to patients during pregnancy increased after participating, from 4.00 to 4.87 (t=4.954, p< 0.05) and future intentions to provide care to pregnant women also increased. Views on the importance of integrating oral health care into overall health care increased from 4.52 to 5.00 (t=4.40, p< 0.05) and intentions to advocate for integration of oral and general health increased. Knowledge increased after most DENT ECHO sessions between 2021-2022.

Conclusion: DENT ECHO supports and educates rural and primary oral health care providers in the delivery of quality and effective dental care for patients. Engaging dialogue between subject matter experts and dental care providers facilitated case-based learning, giving providers the opportunity to network and share evidence-based knowledge and system-based practices.

Source of Funding: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a part of an award totaling $3.25 million with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.