Advocacy practices among U. S. pediatric dentists

Advocacy is the primary mission of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), but members' participation in advocacy is not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine advocacy by AAPD members and their attitudes toward various advocacy-related activities.

An Internet-based questionnaire, e-mailed to 4,328 AAPD members via Survey Monkey, consisted of 19 questions on: demography; advocacy training; attitudes toward advocacy; and past, recent, and current advocacy practices.

A total of 1,046 respondents provided a 25% response rate. Ninety percent supported advocacy as a role for pediatric dentists. Two-thirds felt prepared for advocacy, but only 22% had training in residency. Participation in clinical advocacy was the most common activity, but most respondents reported local oral health promotion and promotion of oral health with other professionals. Approximately half or fewer reported participation in political action or lobbying. Pediatric dentists out of training longer were more likely to participate in advocacy as were male pediatric dentists.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members support the advocacy role of pediatric dentists and participate in a wide range of advocacy activities.