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Randomized pilot study to disseminate caries-control services in dentist offices
David Grembowski1, Charles Spiekerman, Michael A del Aguila
1Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, Box 357475, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. grem@u.washington.edu
BMC Oral Health
|May 4, 2006
Summary
Education and financial incentives did not significantly increase dentists' provision of fluoride varnish and sealants to at-risk children. However, the intervention may have reduced children's dental fear.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Capitation dental insurance models may limit preventive service delivery.
- At-risk children require timely access to preventive dental care, including fluoride varnish and sealants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of provider education and financial incentives on dentists' delivery of preventive services.
- To assess the effect of an intervention on caries-control service rates and children's oral health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 19 dental offices and 689 children (aged 6-14) over 2 years.
- Intervention group received education and fee-for-service reimbursement for preventive services.
- Service rates analyzed via insurance records; parental surveys assessed utilization, satisfaction, fear, and oral health.
Main Results:
- Low dentist participation (34%) limited study power.
- Intervention offices showed higher, but not statistically significant, rates of fluoride and sealant delivery.
- Restoration rates were lower in intervention offices; parents reported reduced dental fear in children.
Conclusions:
- The study lacked sufficient power to demonstrate an effect on caries-control service delivery due to low participation.
- The intervention showed a potential positive effect on reducing children's dental fear.