A Pilot Dental Survey on Maui

Routine dental screening surveys of third graders have proven to be a useful tool to monitor the dental health of a community, especially those of highest risk. In 2010 the PEW Charitable Trust (PEW) conducted state-by-state oral hygiene assessments, giving Hawai'i a poor grade, with routine dental surveys of children one of several criteria not met. The Maui Oral Health Task Force piloted its own survey for the island of Maui to assess the challenges in implementing a dental screening and to gain an understanding as to how obstacles might be addressed. Three issues were identified: technical (sampling methodology, data interpretation, and analysis), administrative (approvals of protocols, consent forms, and confidentiality), and operational (participation rates, dental referrals, and missing data of socio-economic status). These issues were relatively easy to resolve over the course of a few months due to the public's and providers' outcry over the negative findings of the PEW report. Two hundred and eighty-one students were surveyed, which represents 46% of the children whose forms were sent home for parental consent and approval. Of those returning the forms, 77% had parent's consent to participate. Based on our island survey, the estimated sample size and participation rate for the State of Hawai'i would be comparable to those of other states, which had met the PEW survey criteria. Comparative exploratory analysis between Maui and survey data from other states underscores the value of prevention in averting dental treatment.