Infant Oral Health Examinations: Pediatric Dentists' Professional Behavior and Attitudes

Authors: Malcheff, Sam; Pink, Thomas C.; Sohn, Woosung; Inglehart, Marita Rohr; Briskie, Daniel

Source: Pediatric Dentistry, Volume 31, Number 3, May/June 2009 , pp. 202-209(8)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Abstract:

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine pediatric dentists' behaviors and attitudes concerning infant oral health examinations (IOHEs); and (2) explore how respondents who do or do not perform IOHEs differ in their behavior and attitudes concerning IOHEs. Methods: Survey data were collected from 2,157 members of the AAPD (response rate=49%). Most respondents were male (67%) and practiced in solo practices (45%). Results: While 84% of the respondents agreed with the AAPD policy concerning IOHEs and reported that they perform IOHEs, only 53% indicated that they see infants 12 months old or less. The majority of respondents engaged in oral hygiene education (86%) and performed soft and hard tissue exams (81% and 75%, respectively). Fewer practitioners assessed family dynamics (33%), or talked about injury prevention (53%). The respondents had positive attitudes concerning IOHEs. These attitudes were correlated with the number of IOHEs conducted. Conclusions: The finding that only 53% of the respondents see 1-year-old children or younger shows that efforts need to continue to increase the percentage of dentists who offer IOHEs. Most respondents held rather positive attitudes toward IOHEs. They differed in the amount of time they schedule for these exams and the issues they address.

Keywords: INFANT HEALTH CARE; DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN; DENTIST'S PRACTICE PATTERNS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2009-05-01

More about this publication?

Pediatric Dentistry is the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is published bi-monthly and is internationally recognized as the leading journal in the area of pediatric dentistry. The journal promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, case reports and abstracts of current pediatric dental research.
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Infant Oral Health Examinations: Pediatric Dentists' Professional Behavior and Attitudes

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