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Bussard N, Casamassimo P, Amini H, Peng J, Wapner A, Meyer BD. Age of first dental visits: A benefit of the pediatric medical home. J Public Health Dent 2024. [PMID: 38684462 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective cohort study compared differences in age one dental visit use and age at first dental visit according to fluoride varnish receipt at the pediatric medical home. METHODS Enrollment and claims data were used from Partners For Kids, a pediatric accountable care organization covering Medicaid-enrolled children living in 47 of 88 counties in Ohio. The main outcomes were having an age one dental visit and the mean age at first dental visit. Descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons were applied. RESULTS Among 17,675 children, 2.8% had an age one dental visit. The mean age at first dental visit was 4.8 years. Children who received fluoride varnish from their medical home (12% of study population) were significantly younger at their first dental visit (4.1 vs. 4.9 years, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Despite longstanding recommendations for the age one dental visit, very few Medicaid-enrolled children in Ohio had one. The pediatric medical home lowered the age of first dental visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Bussard
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul Casamassimo
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Homa Amini
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jin Peng
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew Wapner
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Beau D Meyer
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Alkhtib AO, Ali K, Sajnani AK, Anweigi L. Barriers and enablers for oral health promotion programs amongst primary healthcare stakeholders in Qatar - a qualitative investigation. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:924. [PMID: 38007460 PMCID: PMC10676573 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03633-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Primary healthcare providers are in a vital position to support preventive oral care programmes. This study explored current practices, perception and barriers of primary health care professionals towards oral health promotion program of children in Qatar. METHODS The qualitative research used focus group discussions and interviewed a total of 108 participants that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data. RESULTS Participants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified the causes in the local context which included parental practices, poor dietary habits, impact of culture lack of oral health knowledge, limitations in the healthcare system, and negative role of the media. However, complex barriers were exposed, including lack of time and ownership, system coordination between organizations, and lack of policy. CONCLUSION Health professionals and bureaucrats involved in decision-making held a positive attitude towards oral health prevention programs and were enthusiastic to initiate and support these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Othman Alkhtib
- College of Dental Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kamran Ali
- College of Dental Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Anand K Sajnani
- Faculty of Medicine, Caucasus International University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Lamyia Anweigi
- College of Dental Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
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Chou R, Bougatsos C, Griffin J, Selph SS, Ahmed A, Fu R, Nix C, Schwarz E. Screening, Referral, Behavioral Counseling, and Preventive Interventions for Oral Health in Children and Adolescents Aged 5 to 17 Years: A Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2023; 330:1674-1686. [PMID: 37934216 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.20435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Importance Dental caries is common in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years and potentially amenable to primary care screening and prevention. Objective To systematically review the evidence on primary care screening and prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (to October 3, 2022); surveillance through July 21, 2023. Study Selection Diagnostic accuracy of primary care screening instruments and oral examination; randomized and nonrandomized trials of screening and preventive interventions and systematic reviews of such studies; cohort studies on primary care oral health screening and preventive intervention harms. Data Extraction and Synthesis One investigator abstracted data; a second checked accuracy. Two investigators independently rated study quality. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for fluoride supplements and xylitol; for other preventive interventions, pooled estimates were used from good-quality systematic reviews. Main Outcomes and Measures Dental caries, morbidity, functional status, quality of life, harms; diagnostic test accuracy. Results Three systematic reviews (total 20 684 participants) and 19 randomized clinical trials, 3 nonrandomized trials, and 1 observational study (total 15 026 participants) were included. No study compared screening vs no screening. When administered by dental professionals or in school settings, fluoride supplements compared with placebo or no intervention were associated with decreased change from baseline in the number of decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT index) or decayed or filled permanent teeth (DFT index) (mean difference, -0.73 [95% CI, -1.30 to -0.19]) at 1.5 to 3 years (6 trials; n = 1395). Fluoride gels were associated with a DMFT- or DFT-prevented fraction of 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09-0.27) at outcomes closest to 3 years (4 trials; n = 1525), fluoride varnish was associated with a DMFT- or DFT-prevented fraction of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.11-0.76) at 1 to 4.5 years (5 trials; n = 3902), and resin-based sealants were associated with decreased risk of carious first molars (odds ratio, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.16-0.28]) at 48 to 54 months (4 trials; n = 440). No trial evaluated primary care counseling or dental referral. Evidence on screening accuracy, silver diamine fluoride, xylitol, and harms was very limited, although serious harms were not reported. Conclusions and Relevance Administration of fluoride supplements, fluoride gels, varnish, and sealants in dental or school settings improved caries outcomes. Research is needed on the effectiveness of oral health preventive interventions in primary care settings and to determine the benefits and harms of screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Chou
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Christina Bougatsos
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Jessica Griffin
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Shelley S Selph
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Azrah Ahmed
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Rongwei Fu
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland
| | - Chad Nix
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Eli Schwarz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
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Gracner T, Kranz AM, Li K, Dick AW, Geissler K. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Pediatric Medical Clinicians' Application of Fluoride Varnish. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2343087. [PMID: 37962890 PMCID: PMC10646725 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.43087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Fluoride varnish reduces children's tooth decay, yet few clinicians provide it. Most state Medicaid programs have covered this service during medical visits for children aged 1 to 5 years, but private insurers began covering it only in 2015 due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate that they cover a set of recommended preventive services without cost-sharing. Evidence on clinicians' behavior change postmandate is limited. Objective To examine monthly changes in fluoride varnish applications among pediatric clinicians following the ACA mandate. Design, Setting, and Participants Using all-payer claims data from Massachusetts, this cohort study applied an interrupted time-series approach with linear regression models comparing changes in monthly clinician-level outcomes before and after the mandate. Participants included clinicians who billed at least 5 well-child visits for patients aged 1 to 5 years and were observed at least once premandate. Adjusted for clinician fixed effects, models were assessed overall and separately for clinicians categorized by their monthly share of well-child visits paid by private insurers before the mandate: mostly private (>66% of visits paid by private insurers), mostly public (<33% of visits paid by private insurers), or mixed (33%-66% of visits paid by private insurers) insurance types. Analysis was performed from June 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. Exposure Preenactment and postenactment of the ACA mandate for private insurers to cover fluoride varnish applications without cost-sharing. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinician-month measures of whether fluoride varnish was provided during at least 1 well-child visit and the share of such visits, analyzed separately for clinicians who did and did not apply fluoride varnish premandate. Results The sample included 2405 clinicians, with 107 841 clinician-months. Premandate, 10.48% of the visits included fluoride varnish applications. Two years postmandate, the likelihood of ever applying fluoride varnish was 13.64 (95% CI, 10.97-16.32) percentage points higher. For clinicians providing fluoride varnish premandate, the share of visits with fluoride varnish increased by 9.22 (95% CI, 5.41-13.02) percentage points. This increase was observed in clinicians who treated children with insurance that was mostly mixed and mostly private; no substantial change was observed among those treating children with mostly public insurance. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of pediatric primary care clinicians, an association between the ACA mandate and an increase in fluoride varnish application was observed, especially among clinicians primarily treating privately insured patients and those applying it premandate. However, application remains infrequent, suggesting persistent barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeja Gracner
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
- Center for Economic and Social Research at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | | | - Kun Li
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia
| | | | - Kimberley Geissler
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
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Cagna DR, Donovan TE, McKee JR, Eichmiller F, Metz JE, Marzola R, Murphy KG, Troeltzsch M. Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. J Prosthet Dent 2023; 130:453-532. [PMID: 37453884 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2022 dental literature to briefly touch on several topics of interest to modern restorative dentistry. Each committee member brings discipline-specific expertise in their subject areas that include (in order of the appearance in this report): prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence the daily dental treatment decisions of the reader with an emphasis on innovations, new materials and processes, and future trends in dentistry. With the tremendous volume of literature published daily in dentistry and related disciplines, this review cannot be comprehensive. Instead, its purpose is to update interested readers and provide valuable resource material for those willing to subsequently pursue greater detail on their own. Our intent remains to assist colleagues in navigating the tremendous volume of newly minted information produced annually. Finally, we hope that readers find this work helpful in managing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Cagna
- Professor, Associate Dean, Chair, and Residency Director, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tenn.
| | - Terence E Donovan
- Professor, Department of Comprehensive Oral Health, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - James R McKee
- Private practice, Restorative Dentistry, Downers Grove, Ill
| | - Frederick Eichmiller
- Vice President and Science Officer (Emeritus), Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, Wis
| | - James E Metz
- Private practice, Restorative Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Kevin G Murphy
- Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Periodontics, University of Maryland College of Dentistry, Baltimore, Md
| | - Matthias Troeltzsch
- Private practice, Oral, Maxillofacial, and Facial Plastic Surgery, Ansbach, Germany; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Chen AYA, Geissler KH, Dick AW, Goff S, Kranz AM. Association Between Insurance Type and Fluoride Varnish Application During Well-Child Visits in Massachusetts. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:1213-1219. [PMID: 37169254 PMCID: PMC10524787 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare rates of fluoride varnish (FV) applications during well-child visits for children covered by Medicaid and private medical insurance in Massachusetts. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed well-child visits for children aged 1 to 5 years paid by Medicaid and private insurance during 2016.Çô18 in Massachusetts. Multivariate regression models, with all covariates interacting with insurance type, were used to calculate odds ratios and adjusted predicted probabilities of fluoride varnish during well-child visits by calendar year and age. RESULTS Across 957,551 well-child visits, 40.0% were paid by private insurers. Unadjusted rates of fluoride varnish were significantly lower among well-child visits paid by private insurers (6.6%) than visits paid by Medicaid (14.2%). In the fully interacted regression model, the odds of a visit including fluoride varnish were significantly lower for older children than for children aged 1 for visits paid by both insurance types. Adjusted rates of fluoride varnish increased significantly from 2016 to 2018 for both insurance types. Moreover, rates were higher among visits for children covered under Medicaid than privately insured children in all years, and the differences by insurance type declined over time (2016: 8.0% points, 95% confidence interval.á=.á.êÆ8.7 to .êÆ7.3, 2018: 5.3% points, 95% confidence interval.á=.á.êÆ6.6 to .êÆ3.9). CONCLUSIONS Rates of fluoride varnish applications during well-child visits were low for both Medicaid and private insurance despite growth from 2016 to 2018 in Massachusetts. Low rates are concerning because this is a recommended service with the potential to help address racial, geographic, and income-based disparities in access and oral health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberley H Geissler
- University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences (KH.áGeissler and.áS.áGoff).
| | - Andrew W Dick
- RAND Corporation (A.áYu-An.áChen and.áAW.áDick), Boston, Mass.
| | - Sarah Goff
- University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences (KH.áGeissler and.áS.áGoff).
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Lukac PJ, Bell D, Sreedharan P, Gornbein JA, Lerner C. The Application of Dental Fluoride Varnish in Children: A Low Cost, High-Value Implementation Aided by Passive Clinical Decision Support. Appl Clin Inform 2023; 14:245-253. [PMID: 36634698 PMCID: PMC10060097 DOI: 10.1055/a-2011-8167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluoride is vital in the prevention of dental caries in children. In 2014, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force deemed fluoride varnish a recommended preventive service (grade B). Electronic health record-based clinical decision support (CDS) tools have shown variable ability to alter physicians' ordering behaviors. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to increase the application of fluoride varnish in children while analyzing the effect of two passive CDS tools-an order set and a note template. METHODS Data on outpatient pediatric visits over an 18-month period before and after CDS implementation (October 15, 2020-April 15, 2022) were queried, while trends in application rate of fluoride were examined. We constructed a multiple logistic regression model with a primary outcome of whether a patient received fluoride at his/her visit. The primary predictor was a "phase" variable representing the CDS implemented. Physician interaction with CDS as well as the financial effects of the resulting service use were also examined. RESULTS There were 3,049 well-child visits of children aged 12 months to 5 years. The addition of a fluoride order to a "Well Child Check" order set led to a 10.6% increase in ordering over physician education alone (25.4 vs. 14.8%, p = 0.001), while the insertion of fluoride-specific text to drop-down lists in clinical notes led to a 6.2% increase (31.5 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.005). Whether a patient received topical fluoride was positively associated with order set implementation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.20-8.21) and fluoride-specific drop-down lists (OR = 7.81, 95% CI: 5.41-11.28). Female providers were more likely to use order sets when ordering fluoride (56.2 vs. 40.9% for males, p ≤ 0.0001). Added revenue totaled $15,084. CONCLUSION The targeted use of order sets and note templates was positively associated with the ordering of topical fluoride by physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Lukac
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Office of Health Informatics and Analytics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Douglas Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Priya Sreedharan
- Office of Health Informatics and Analytics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Gornbein
- Department of Biostatics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Carlos Lerner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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Danesh DO, Peng J, Hammersmith KJ, Gowda C, Maciejewski H, Amini H, Wapner AW, Meyer BD. Impact on Dental Utilization of the Integration of Oral Health in Pediatric Primary Care Through Quality Improvement. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:186-195. [PMID: 36459615 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate child-level dental utilization and expenditure outcomes based on if and where children received fluoride varnish (FV) at quality improvement (QI) medical practices, at non-QI medical practices, at dental practices, or those who never received FV from any practice. DESIGN Retrospective claims-based analysis cohort study. SETTING Children with Medicaid insurance through an Ohio pediatric accountable care organization. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 1 to 5 years with 1 or more well-child visits between 2015 and 2017. INTERVENTION FV receipt versus no FV. Among children who received FV, categorized if FV delivered by a QI-participating medical provider, a non-QI-participating medical provider, and a dental provider. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Dental claims from 2014 to 2019 were collected for preventive dental visits, caries-related treatment visits, dental general anesthesia (GA) visit, and emergency department visit for a dental problem to examine utilization patterns, expenditures, and dental outcomes. RESULTS The QI group had a significantly higher incidence of preventive dental visits than the dental (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.96) or non-QI groups (IRR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.84-0.88). Compared with the QI group, the non-QI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.6; 95% CI, 2.4-2.9) and dental (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.6-3.3) groups were significantly more likely to have caries-related treatment visits. The dental group children were significantly more likely to have dental treatment under GA than the QI group (aOR = 5.3; 95% CI, 2.0-14.4). CONCLUSIONS Children seen at QI practices appear to have an increased uptake of preventive dental services, which may explain the lower incidence of dental caries visits and GA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Danesh
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry (Drs Danesh, Hammersmith, Amini, and Meyer), Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine (Dr Gowda), and Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health (Dr Wapner), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Dentistry (Drs Danesh, Peng, Hammersmith, Amini, and Meyer), Partners For Kids (Dr Gowda and Ms Maciejewski), Center for Clinical Excellence (Ms Maciejewski), Division of Emergency Medicine (Dr Wapner), and Information Technology Research and Innovation (Dr Peng), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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Saini SJ, Carle AC, Forsyth AR, Chi DL. Association between caregiver opposition to topical fluoride and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine 2023; 41:1035-1041. [PMID: 36567141 PMCID: PMC9747692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Caregivers who oppose topical fluoride in dental settings may be opposed to other preventive health treatments, including COVID-19 vaccines. The study objective was to examine the association between caregiver opposition to topical fluoride and COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS The study took place at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. English-speaking caregivers of children aged < 18 years were eligible to participate. An 85-item REDCap survey was administered from February to September 2021. The predictor variable was topical fluoride opposition (no/yes). The outcome was COVID-19 vaccine opposition (no/yes). The models included the following covariates: child and caregiver age; caregiver race and ethnicity, education level, dental insurance type, parenting style, political ideology, and religiosity; and household income. Logistic regression models generated odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (α = 0.05). RESULTS Six-hundred-fifty-one caregivers participated, and 403 caregivers with complete data were included in the final regression model. Mean child age was 8.5 years (SD 4.2), mean caregiver age was 42.1 years (SD 9.1), 53.0 % of caregivers were female, 57.3 % self-reported as white, and 65.5 % were insured by Medicaid. There was a significant positive association between topical fluoride and COVID-19 vaccine opposition (OR = 3.13; 95 % CI: 1.87, 5.25; p < 0.001). Other factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine opposition included conservative political views (OR = 2.77; 95 % CI: 1.26, 6.08; p < 0.011) and lower education (OR = 3.47; 95 % CI: 1.44, 8.38; p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers opposed to topical fluoride in dental settings were significantly more likely to oppose COVID-19 vaccines for their child. Future research should identify ways to address both topical fluoride and vaccine opposition to prevent diseases in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna J Saini
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, 6222 NE 74th St #8158, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
| | - Adam C Carle
- James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 7014, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences, 1 Edwards Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
| | - Anna R Forsyth
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, 6222 NE 74th St #8158, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
| | - Donald L Chi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, 6222 NE 74th St #8158, Seattle, WA 98115, USA; Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357475, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357660, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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10
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Kranz AM, Opper IM, Stein BD, Ruder T, Gahlon G, Sorbero M, Dick AW. Medicaid Payment and Fluoride Varnish Application During Pediatric Medical Visits. Med Care Res Rev 2022; 79:834-843. [PMID: 35130771 PMCID: PMC9357861 DOI: 10.1177/10775587221074766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
All Medicaid programs pay for fluoride varnish applications during medical visits for infants and toddlers, but receipt of care varies considerably across states. Using 2006-2014 Medicaid data from 22 states, this study examined the association between Medicaid payment and receipt of fluoride varnish during pediatric medical visits. Among 3,393,638 medical visits, fewer than one in 10 visits included fluoride varnish. Higher Medicaid payment was positively associated with receipt of fluoride varnish during pediatric medical visits. As policymakers consider strategies for increasing young children's access to preventive oral health services, as well as consider strategies for balancing budgets, attention should be paid to the effects of provider payment on access to pediatric oral health services.
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11
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Nation A, Pukallus M, Stormon N, Foley M, Lalloo R. Health professionals delivering oral health interventions in early childhood: A scoping review of Australian and New Zealand literature. Health Promot J Austr 2022; 34:303-315. [PMID: 36444715 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Dental caries is highly prevalent in very young Australian and New Zealand children. Health professionals other than registered dental professionals can help prevent early childhood caries, promoting oral health to assist families establish preventative oral health habits at a child's early age. This review identifies oral health promotion (OHP) delivered by nondental health professionals in Australia and New Zealand involving very young children. METHODS Databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, TROVE) and digital libraries were searched between 2001 and 2021 for eligible studies and grey literature. Studies with a focus on preventative oral health strategies in a primary health care context were included. RESULTS The review identified 76 studies. Seven met the inclusion criteria, and were conducted in Australia across metropolitan, rural, and remote settings. Studies that successfully engaged nondental health professionals to promote oral health to families reported a positive change in oral health practices among very young children. Delivering OHP during a child's early life stage positively influenced their oral health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Integration of dental and primary health care increased access to oral health care and advanced positive oral health outcomes for children. With adequate training, resources, and support mechanisms, nondental health professionals can deliver oral health strategies that facilitate behaviour change in parents to improve children's oral health. So What? Health promotion generates enabling conditions that support and empower families to improve and maintain their oral health. Nondental health professionals can play a crucial role promoting oral health for very young children and improving equitable access to preventative oral health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Nation
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Margaret Pukallus
- Metro South Oral Health, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Nicole Stormon
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Michael Foley
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Ratilal Lalloo
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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12
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Incorporating Oral Health into Pediatric Practice: National Trends 2008, 2012, 2018. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:1443-1451. [PMID: 35732259 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral health is a critical component of children's overall health, but past research has found that pediatricians report barriers to implementing oral health into practice. Recently, policies have further delineated the importance of oral health in primary medical care. We sought to determine how pediatricians' practices and perceived barriers related to oral health involvement have changed since 2008. METHODS There have been 3 nationally representative, cross-sectional, oral-health-focused periodic surveys of US American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) members who provide health supervision: in 2008 (n = 1104; response rate (rr) = 69%), 2012 (n = 646; rr = 48%), and 2018 (n = 485; rr = 48%). The surveys asked about frequency of performing oral health tasks in children 3 years and younger, self-rated ability to perform these tasks, and attitudes about and barriers to oral health involvement. Predicted values from separate multivariable logistic regression models examined the independent effect of survey year. RESULTS In 2018, pediatricians reported they were more likely to provide fluoride varnish and dental referrals at a younger age and less likely to complete a caries risk assessment or oral examination. They reported diminished barriers to incorporating oral health into pediatric practice. Other oral health activities, notably the oral screening examination and caries risk assessment, remain underutilized by pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS From 2008 to 2018, more pediatricians reported performing a range of oral health tasks with fewer reported barriers. Ongoing efforts are needed to increase pediatricians' attention to oral screening examinations and caries risk assessments for all pediatric patients beginning in infancy, and to promote further use of fluoride varnish.
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13
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Wilson J, Swanbeck S, Banning G, Alhwayek T, Sullivan V, Howard KM, Kingsley K. Assessment of Sodium Diamine Fluoride (SDF) with Light Curing Technique: A Pilot Study of Antimicrobial Effects. Methods Protoc 2022; 5:31. [PMID: 35448696 PMCID: PMC9033077 DOI: 10.3390/mps5020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been useful in clinical dentistry for the purpose of caries arrest and prevention. Although methods for the application of SDF are well-known among dental professionals, such as microbrush applications, few studies have explored the effect of light curing, which accelerates precipitation onto dentin, and whether this has any effect on the antimicrobial properties of SDF. To assess this technique, single (Streptococcus gordonii) and polymicrobial (mixed salivary) colonies were grown and plated using SDF applied to hydroxyapatite discs with and without treatment with curing light. Kirby-Bauer Zone of Inhibition assay results revealed no significant differences in the areas between the two treatment groups (SDF: 1.27 mm, SDF plus curing light: 1.25 mm), p = 0.887 in the single culture (S. gordonii) experiments. In addition, no significant differences were found between the two treatment groups (SDF: 1.26 mm, SDF plus curing light: 1.24 mm), p = 0.771 in the polymicrobial culture experiments. Although there may be specific properties associated with SDF induced following light curing, these differences do not appear to be associated with the antimicrobial properties affecting gram-positive or polymicrobial films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Wilson
- Department of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1700 W, Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA; (J.W.); (V.S.)
| | - Sarah Swanbeck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1700 W, Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA; (S.S.); (G.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Gavin Banning
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1700 W, Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA; (S.S.); (G.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Tatiana Alhwayek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1700 W, Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA; (S.S.); (G.B.); (T.A.)
| | - Victoria Sullivan
- Department of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1700 W, Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA; (J.W.); (V.S.)
| | - Katherine M. Howard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1001 Shadow Lane Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA;
| | - Karl Kingsley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1001 Shadow Lane Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA;
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14
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Herndon JB, Ojha D. Racial and ethnic disparities in oral healthcare quality among children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. J Public Health Dent 2022; 82 Suppl 1:89-102. [PMID: 35726463 PMCID: PMC9543656 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Addressing inequities in oral health care requires identification of which populations are experiencing performance gaps and the extent of those gaps. This study used Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) measures to examine variations in quality by race and ethnicity. METHODS We used eligibility and claims data for 2018 for children aged <21 years for state Medicaid/CHIP programs available through the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. For a subset of states with sufficient data quality, we calculated DQA measures of utilization of services, oral evaluation, and topical fluoride. The measures were stratified by race and ethnicity, age, sex, geographic location, and language. We used bivariate logistic regression to analyze relative disparities. RESULTS Variations in measure scores were noted between racial and ethnic groups. Measure scores were typically lower for non-Hispanic black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children and higher for non-Hispanic Asian and Hispanic children compared with non-Hispanic white children. There also was variation in the patterns of disparities between states. More than two-thirds of states had insufficient race and ethnicity data (>10% missing) to reliably report stratified measure scores. CONCLUSIONS Because disparities vary by state, each Medicaid/CHIP program should evaluate variations in care quality in the context of the population it serves. A critical first step is to improve collection of race and ethnicity. These measurements can be used to set improvement goals that not only raise quality of care for the population overall but also close gaps in performance between racial and ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Boylston Herndon
- Key Analytics and Consulting, LLC, Sarasota, Florida, USA.,Dental Quality Alliance, American Dental Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Diptee Ojha
- Dental Quality Alliance, American Dental Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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15
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Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, Cabana M, Caughey AB, Davis EM, Donahue KE, Doubeni CA, Kubik M, Li L, Ogedegbe G, Pbert L, Silverstein M, Stevermer J, Tseng CW, Wong JB. Screening and Interventions to Prevent Dental Caries in Children Younger Than 5 Years: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2021; 326:2172-2178. [PMID: 34874412 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.20007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children in the US. According to the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, approximately 23% of children aged 2 to 5 years had dental caries in their primary teeth. Prevalence is higher in Mexican American children (33%) and non-Hispanic Black children (28%) than in non-Hispanic White children (18%). Dental caries in early childhood is associated with pain, loss of teeth, impaired growth, decreased weight gain, negative effects on quality of life, poor school performance, and future dental caries. OBJECTIVE To update its 2014 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review on screening and interventions to prevent dental caries in children younger than 5 years. POPULATION Asymptomatic children younger than 5 years. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that there is a moderate net benefit of preventing future dental caries with oral fluoride supplementation at recommended doses in children 6 months or older whose water supply is deficient in fluoride. The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that there is a moderate net benefit of preventing future dental caries with fluoride varnish application in all children younger than 5 years. The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient on performing routine oral screening examinations for dental caries by primary care clinicians in children younger than 5 years and that the balance of benefits and harms of screening cannot be determined. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride supplementation starting at age 6 months for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride. (B recommendation) The USPSTF recommends that primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption. (B recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of routine screening examinations for dental caries performed by primary care clinicians in children younger than 5 years. (I statement).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina W Davidson
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | | | | | | | | | - Esa M Davis
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Li Li
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | | | - Lori Pbert
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | | | | | - Chien-Wen Tseng
- University of Hawaii, Honolulu
- Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - John B Wong
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Burgette JM, Divaris K, Fontana M. Reducing Inequities in Early Childhood Dental Caries in Primary Health Care Settings. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2021; 2:e214115. [DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.4115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Burgette
- Department of Dental Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kimon Divaris
- Division of Pediatric and Public Health, Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Margherita Fontana
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
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