title: Maternal beliefs and motivations for first dental visit by low-income Mexican American children in California.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine Mexican American immigrant caregivers' beliefs and motivations surrounding the first dental visit for their young children (median age=5-years-old).
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative interviews were conducted among a convenience sample  of 48 low-income, Mexican American mothers about their young children's oral health. Transcripts were independently read, coded, and thematically analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Half (51%) of first dental visits were for parent-initiated reasons, including: for pain or visible dental problems; for  parent's proactive desire to get a checkup; or to avoid future dental problems. The other half was initiated by external prompts, especially pediatrician recommendations and school requirements. Once a child went to the dentist for his/her first visit, 94% continued with regular checkups.  The mean age for a first dental visit was 3-years-old. Three parents reported cases in which dentists discouraged visits for symptomatic children before they were 3-years-old.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The low-income, urban Mexican American parents interviewed take their children to their first  dental visit when they are approximately 3-years-old, much later than the recommended 1-year-old first visit for this at-risk population. Physicians are well positioned to play an important role in prompting first dental visits.
authors: Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, History and Social Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA. kristin.hoeft@ucsf.edu
authors: Kristin S
authors: KS
authors: Hoeft
authors: Judith C
authors: JC
authors: Barker
authors: Erin E
authors: EE
authors: Masterson
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000523:psychology*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009042:Motivation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011203:Poverty; D057566:Self Report; D014098:Toothache / Q000628:therapy