title: Effectiveness of an oral health program in improving the knowledge and competencies of head start staff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs have partnered with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to promote oral health and increase access to dental homes. Preparing HS/EHS staff for issues related to pediatric oral health promises to improve effectiveness  of this collaboration. This paper's purpose was to describe the Columbia Head Start Oral Health Program (C-HSOHP) and changes in HS/EHS staff pediatric oral health knowledge and competencies after participating in C-HSOHP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four HS/EHS grantees in New York City engaged in the  2008-09 C-HSOHP. A convenience sample of 61 staff completed pre- and postself assessments of knowledge and competencies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant paired mean improvements were found for staff-reported level of preparation to explain dental issues during pregnancy, the tooth decay process,  and preparing parents for their child's first dental visit. Significant improvements were found in staff confidence in teaching parents about children's oral health issues, referring for pediatric dental services, and talking to a dentist about a concern.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Columbia Head  Start Oral Health Program was effective in improving Head Start/Early Head Start staff self-confidence and self-perceived preparedness in teaching parents about oral health, applying oral health knowledge to HS/EHS programs, communicating with dental professionals, and improving access to  pediatric dental services.
authors: Assistant professor in the Section of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. chc26@columbia.edu
authors: Courtney Hugh
authors: CH
authors: Chinn
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009519:New York City; D009909:Oral Health; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013192:Staff Development