title: Perspectives of board certified pediatric dentists on adding a pediatric oral health therapist to the dental team.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of board certified pediatric dentists regarding adding a pediatric oral health therapist/dental therapist to the dental team.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 27-item online survey was e-mailed to all diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Questions assessed knowledge and opinions regarding the concept of a pediatric oral health therapist, as well as perspectives on the parameters under which such a person could practice. Survey results were tabulated and frequency distributions calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-five percent of respondents had limited or no knowledge regarding the concept of a pediatric oral health therapist; 79% had limited or no knowledge regarding the use of dental therapists in Alaska. Seventy-one percent disagreed with adding a therapist to the dental team. Pediatric dentists practicing in the public sector were more knowledgeable and supportive. Sixty-six percent indicated they treated children with Medicaid/CHIP insurance. Of those, most disagreed that therapists would enable them to care far more children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pediatric dentists are generally not knowledgeable regarding the role of therapists internationally Nevertheless, the majority oppose adding such an individual to the dental team in the United States.
authors.affiliation: College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Gaston
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: To'olo
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.forename: Kavita R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Mathu-Muju
authors.forename: Charlotte A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Haney
authors.forename: M Raynor
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Mullins
authors.forename: Heather H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Bush
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003797:Dental Staff; D003815:Dentists / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011636:Public Health Dentistry; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D000078329:Workforce