title: Characteristics of dental clinics in US children's hospitals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study's purpose was to describe the workforce, patient, and service characteristics of dental clinics affiliated with US children's hospitals belonging to the National Association of Children's Hospital and Related Institutions (NACHRI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A 2-stage survey mechanism using ad hoc questionnaires sought responses from hospital administrators and dental clinic administrators. Questionnaires asked about: (1) clinic purpose; (2) workforce; (3) patient population; (4) dental services provided; (5) community professional relations; and (5) relationships with medical services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 222 NACHRI-affiliated hospitals, 87 reported comprehensive dental clinics (CDCs) and 64 (74%) of CDCs provided data. Provision of tertiary medical services was significantly related to presence of a CDC. Most CDCs were clustered east of the Mississippi River. Size, workload, and patient characteristics were variable across CDCs. Most were not profitable. Medical diagnosis was the primary criterion for eligibility, with all but 1 clinic treating special needs children. Most clinics (74%) had dental residencies. Over 75% reported providing dental care prior to major medical care (cardiac, oncology, transplantation), but follow-up care was variable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many children's hospitals reported comprehensive dental clinics, but the characteristics were highly variable, suggesting this element of the pediatric oral health care safety net may be fragile.
authors.affiliation: US Army, Baumholder, Germany.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ciesla
authors.forename: Carolyn A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kerins
authors.forename: N Sue
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Seale
authors.forename: Paul S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Casamassimo
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel; D002648:Child; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000628:therapy; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D003740:Dental Clinics / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D003752:Dental Health Services; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006740:Hospital Administrators; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D015274:Interdepartmental Relations; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013039:Specialties, Dental; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce; D016526:Workload