title: Pediatricians and the Oral Health Needs of Children: One Potential Means for Reducing Oral Healthcare Inequities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Children in poverty have limited access to oral healthcare. One approach to reduce such health inequities is to expand the involvement of primary care physicians in the provision of oral healthcare. The purpose of this study was to assess pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and professional experiences regarding oral health in children, and to determine their willingness to incorporate preventive dental education and procedures into their practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a survey of pediatricians in Tennessee to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and professional experiences regarding oral health, and to determine their willingness to incorporate preventive dental education and procedures into their practices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 450 providers randomly selected for survey distribution, 107 returned completed surveys (response rate, 23.8%). The majority of respondents reported that they are likely to examine children's teeth during well-child care visits, but only a minority use preventive techniques such as application of fluoride varnish. Pediatricians receive very little education on oral health during medical school and residency programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Expanding oral healthcare access through primary care physicians will require adequate training in medical school, residency, and in continuing education courses.
authors.forename: Ryan Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Paul Campbell
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Erwin
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D000067576:Child Health; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009909:Oral Health / Q000193:education; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011203:Poverty; D011364:Professional Practice; D013714:Tennessee
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants