Special Health Care Needs
Marisa Chanin, DMD
Resident
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University
DAVIE, Florida, United States
Jennifer Chung, PhD, LMFT
Research Program Manager II
Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Nicole S. Etcheverry, DMD
Second Year Resident
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University
Boca Raton, Florida, United States
Maria Levi-Minzi, Ph. D
NSU Abraham S Fischier School of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Romer Ocanto, DDS
Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine
Oscar Padilla, DDS
Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine
Jennifer Chung, PhD, LMFT
Research Program Manager II
Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Judith R. Chin, n/a
Pediatric Residency Program Director
Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify parent perception of behavior, to determine parent ability to predict their child’s dental treatment cooperation during the first dental visit, and to determine the “success” of the first appointment for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Pre-Treatment form data, Task Analysis Scores (TAS), and Frankl Scale ratings were extracted from patient charts available in axiUm (academic dental software). Frequencies and mean values were calculated for patient demographics and health characteristics (N=235). Multiple regression models were constructed to examine the productivity (success) level achieved during the first dental appointment (as measured by TAS and Frankl scores) by the following factors: patient demographics, parental perception of behavior, past dental visits, dental needs, and behavioral management techniques. Results: In the model to test patient characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, and verbal communication, Hispanic ethnicity significantly predicted TAS score, F (4, 191) = 2.45, P=.05 [95% CI -17.18, -3.53], and age significantly predicted Frankl score F (4, 194) = 5.17, P= < .001 [95% CI 0.04, 0.12]. There was a significant association between caregiver perception of behavior and Frankl scores, F (2, 202) = 7.68, P= < .001 [ 95% CI -0.11, -0.03].
Conclusion: The results indicate that ethnicity and age play a role in a successful outcome during the first appointment. Additionally, parent perception of their child’s behavior significantly predicted Frankl score, suggesting that coordinating with parents during the dental appointment can be beneficial in treatment planning for productive dental visits among children with ASD