Oral health in the pediatric practice setting: a survey of Washington State pediatricians.
BACKGROUND
Pediatric health care providers may be the only source of preventive oral health education for families of young children who lack access to professional dental care.


OBJECTIVE
We surveyed Washington State pediatricians in order to characterize their oral health-related educational needs and anticipatory guidance practices.


METHODS
A 38-question survey was mailed to all 606 general pediatricians in Washington State. Topics included anticipatory practices and confidence in oral health-related activities.


RESULTS
Of 483 eligible participants, 271 returned completed surveys (response rate: 57%). A median of 30 percent of the well-child visit was devoted to providing anticipatory guidance. A majority (83.7%) of respondents reported providing anticipatory guidance on oral health.


CONCLUSIONS
Washington State pediatricians are already involved in providing oral health anticipatory guidance. Certain factors are identified that should be addressed to allow pediatricians to promote oral health more effectively.
Lewis
Charlotte W
CW
Division of General Pediatrics, Child Health Institute, University of Washington, Box 354920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. cwlewis@u.washington.edu
Cantrell
Diana C
DC
Domoto
Peter K
PK
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003752:Dental Health Services; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D010372:Pediatrics; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D014861:Washington