4 - Oral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care and the Age One Dental Visit: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract:

Objectives: Medical and dental collaboration promotes patient-centered health care. This study compared age of first dental visit between children who did and did not receive preventive oral health services (POHS) in pediatric primary care settings, and assessed attitudes, beliefs, and best practices within pediatric primary medical care related to oral health integration for young children.

Methods: This two-part mixed-method study analyzed dental claims of a subset of Medicaid-enrolled children age 1-5 years in southern Ohio from 2017 to 2021. Descriptive statistics compared the age of first dental visit between children who did and did not receive POHS in medical settings. Semi-structured interviews with pediatricians and physician administrators were conducted to better understand their attitudes, beliefs, and best practices related to POHS and dental team integration in the primary care setting. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically.

Results: Children that received POHS in medical settings (n=8,951/33,293) had their first dental visit at a significantly earlier age (3.5 years) compared to children who did not receive these services (4.4 years, p<.001). Attitudes were mixed regarding ability to integrate dental care within primary care, with one key factor being the willingness of personnel to adapt to new processes.

Conclusions: Preventive oral health integration within the pediatric medical home is associated with earlier age of first dental visit and may improve oral health outcomes for children. Active collaboration between primary care and dental providers is critical to successfully implement oral health integration in primary care settings.

Source of Funding: None