Survey of Iowa General Dentists Regarding the Age 1 Dental Visit

Meghan Sullivan Walsh July 30, 2010 Department of Pediatric Dentistry/LMC -Providence Literature Review


Article Title:

Survey of Iowa General Dentists Regarding the Age 1 Dental Visit

Author:
Jennifer D. Wolfe, DDS; Karin Weber-Gasparoni, DDS, MS, PhD; Michael J. Kanellis, DDS, MS; Fang Qian, PhD

Journal:
Pediatric Dentistry

Volume (number), Year, Page #’s:
28:4, 2006, 325-331

Major topic:
Age one dental visit

Overview of method of research:
Statistical analysis of survey
.
Findings: A survey consisting of 15 items was distributed to Dentists in the state of Iowa. Of the 1,521 surveys, 47%, or 715 surveys, were deemed “useable.” The 15 items consisted of questions regarding the dentist’s demographics, knowledge, attitude, behavior and sources of information concerning the age one dental visit. The results of this survey showed significant differences in behavior and acceptance of young patients based on the following; dentist’s age, years out of dental school, hours worked per week, gender, knowledge of the AAPD’s recommendation, current practice seeing children 0-23 months old, and willingness to accept younger patients. Data indicates that Iowa Dentists with the following criteria are most likely to accept and treat children ages 0 to 23 months old.
1) Young
2) Recent graduates
3) Females
4) Prior knowledge of AAPD recommendations
5) Experience seeing children 0-23 months old
6) Practicing dentistry more hours per week
6) Belief that children should have their first visit at age 0-23

In addition, this study did prove that many positive changes have been made in the overall education, awareness and beliefs towards necessity for early dental care. In comparison from a previous study in Iowa in 1994, there was a significant increase in the willingness to accept a patient 0-23 months old as well as the belief that the children should be seen prior to age two.

Key Points/Summary
The majority of Iowa General Dentists are aware of the AAPD and ADA’s recommendation for the age one dental visit. Iowa General Dentists have made improvements in the past decade towards acceptance of treatment for a child age 0-23 months. There are, however, significant factors and limitations which affect a Dentists decision to treat young children. Improvement can be made regarding Iowa General Dentist’s beliefs, education, knowledge, behavior and intentions towards following the recommendations of the AAPD and the age one dental visit.

Assessment of Article
Although the editor seemed pleased with the percentage of Dentists who are aware of the AAPD recommendations (76%), I found it alarming that only 36% believed that children should be seen prior to age two. The data was predictable as far as the characteristics of the most likely Dentist to accept these young patients. Table One, page 327, which shows the responses of why an office chooses not to treat children ages 0-23 was most interesting. Perhaps use of this table, providing more information and assistance for these offices, can increase willingness and responsibility for the General Dentist.