Other
Ammie L. Chinchilla, DDS (she/her/hers)
Pediatric Dental Resident
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Brittaney J. Hill, DDS, MS, MPH
Program Director
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Judy C. Yuan, DDS, MS
University of Illinois Chicago
Patrick D. Smith, DMD, MPH
University of Illinois at Chicago
Brittaney J. Hill, DDS, MS, MPH
Program Director
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Purpose: To explore associations between social determinants of pediatric oral health (SDOH) and the need for advanced stage dental treatment (ASDT, refers to need for pulp therapy and/or extractions).
Methods: Utilizing a convenience sample with inclusion criteria, this cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of UIC dental patients aged 3-17 years at initial or recall visits. Study participants completed a SDOH questionnaire and consented to a patient chart review to obtain certain oral health indicators. Using the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks & Experiences (PRAPARE) methodology, SDOH risk tally scores were computed for each patient. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression models were conducted via SPSS (α=0.05).
Results: There were 99 children evaluated [Age-Mean(SD)=6.6(2.5);Male=54%]. Approximately 94% of caregivers completed the survey in English and 56% had children who were Hispanic/Latino. Almost 53% of children required ASDT. There was no correlation between SDOH risk tally score and the need for ASDT (P=.75). However, the relationship between two SDOH and the need for ASDT approached significance (P=.06 for housing insecurity, P=.06 for food insecurity). The relationship between age and need for ASDT was significant (P < .001), with an odds ratio of 0.68 (CI=0.54-0.86).
Conclusions: Children's need for ASDT was not associated with SDOH risk tally scores. Further research may be helpful, with the goal of increasing sample size and delving into the SDOH of housing insecurity and food insecurity, which may be indicators for advanced dental needs in children.