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Does the Texas First Dental Home Program Improve Parental Oral Care Knowledge and Practices?
Charmaine L Thompson1, Ann L McCann2, Emet D Schneiderman3
1Public health practitioner, Su Clinica Familiar, Harlingen, Texas, USA;,
Pediatric Dentistry
|April 10, 2017
Summary
Texas Medicaid First Dental Home (FDH) program participation significantly boosts parents' oral health knowledge and practices. This initiative is crucial for enhancing early childhood oral health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Early childhood caries is a significant public health concern.
- Establishing a dental home early is recommended for preventive oral care.
- The Texas Medicaid First Dental Home (FDH) program aims to improve access to dental care for young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Texas Medicaid First Dental Home (FDH) program.
- To compare oral health knowledge, practices, and opinions between parents participating in FDH and non-participating parents.
Main Methods:
- A 29-question survey in English and Spanish was administered to 165 parents of children under three years old.
- Participants were recruited from qualifying Texas Medicaid clinics.
- Parents were categorized as FDH (n=49) or Non-FDH (n=116).
Main Results:
- FDH parents demonstrated significantly higher overall oral health knowledge (P=0.001) and practice scores (P<0.001).
- FDH parents showed greater accuracy regarding appropriate toothpaste amounts for toddlers and the fluoride content of tap water.
- Non-FDH parents were more likely to allow children to sleep with a bottle, sippy cup, or pacifier (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Participation in the FDH program positively influences parental oral healthcare knowledge and practices.
- The FDH program represents a vital first step in improving the oral health of young children in Texas.
- Findings underscore the importance of early dental home establishment for preventive oral health behaviors.
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