Management of Head Lice in Dental Offices: A Call for Updated Policies

Purpose: To compare knowledge, policy, and management regarding patients with suspected head lice between general dentists (GPs) working at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and pediatric dentists (PDs).
Methods: A 14-item survey was emailed to 340 active dentists in Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. Statistical analysis consisted of bivariate and multiple logistical regression analysis (alpha = 0.05).
Results: The response rate was 20.0 percent, comprising 27 GPs, 39 PDs, and one other specialist. Among the respondents, 23.9 percent were familiar with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on head lice and 27.0 percent had a policy about patients with head lice in their practice. PDs were more likely to be familiar with the AAP guidelines on head lice (P =0.001), have received training on head lice (P =0.032), and feel comfortable identifying head lice in patients (P =0.015). PDs were also more likely to proceed with dental treatment if suspecting a patient had active head lice (odds ratio 4.27; 95 percent confidence interval = 1.19 to 84.59; P =0.002).
Conclusion: PDs are more willing to treat patients with suspected head lice and to personally discuss the topic with parents. Neither group universally followed current guidelines in working with children with head lice.