C Marshall Long1, Rocio B Quinonez2, R Gary Rozier3, Ashley M Kranz4, Jessica Y Lee5. 1. Pediatric dentist in Charlotte, N.C., USA. mlong819@gmail.com. 2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA. 3. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry; at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA. 4. Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health; at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA. 5. Department of Dental Research; at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of North Carolina general dentists (GDs) regarding American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) dental referral guidelines; and (2) determine factors that influence pediatricians' ability to comply with AAP guidelines. METHODS: One thousand GDs were surveyed to determine barriers toward acceptance of physician referrals of infants and toddlers. The primary outcome using ordered logistic regression was GDs' acceptance of children described in five case scenarios, with different levels of risk and oral health status. RESULTS: GDs believed pediatricians should refer patients at risk for caries to a dentist. While 61 to 75 percent of GDs were willing to accept low caries risk referrals of infants and toddlers, only 35 percent would accept referrals when caries was present. Predictors of referral acceptance were correct knowledge about AAP guidelines (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.2-3.3), confidence in providing preventive care to infants and toddlers (OR=2.6, 95%CI=1.3-4.9), and agreement that parents see importance in dental referrals (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors influencing acceptance of pediatrician referrals for the age one dental visit among North Carolina GDs and highlighted challenges pediatricians face in referring young children for dental care.
PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of North Carolina general dentists (GDs) regarding American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) dental referral guidelines; and (2) determine factors that influence pediatricians' ability to comply with AAP guidelines. METHODS: One thousand GDs were surveyed to determine barriers toward acceptance of physician referrals of infants and toddlers. The primary outcome using ordered logistic regression was GDs' acceptance of children described in five case scenarios, with different levels of risk and oral health status. RESULTS: GDs believed pediatricians should refer patients at risk for caries to a dentist. While 61 to 75 percent of GDs were willing to accept low caries risk referrals of infants and toddlers, only 35 percent would accept referrals when caries was present. Predictors of referral acceptance were correct knowledge about AAP guidelines (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.2-3.3), confidence in providing preventive care to infants and toddlers (OR=2.6, 95%CI=1.3-4.9), and agreement that parents see importance in dental referrals (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors influencing acceptance of pediatrician referrals for the age one dental visit among North Carolina GDs and highlighted challenges pediatricians face in referring young children for dental care.
Authors: S R Tunis; R S Hayward; M C Wilson; H R Rubin; E B Bass; M Johnston; E P Steinberg Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 1994-06-01 Impact factor: 25.391
Authors: C Marshall Long; Rocio B Quinonez; Heather A Beil; Kelly Close; Larry P Myers; William F Vann; R Gary Rozier Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2012-07-11 Impact factor: 2.125
Authors: Emily B Vander Schaaf; Rocio B Quinonez; Amanda C Cornett; Greg D Randolph; Kim Boggess; Kori B Flower Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2018-02
Authors: Evan V Goldstein; Andrew W Dick; Rachel Ross; Bradley D Stein; Ashley M Kranz Journal: J Public Health Dent Date: 2021-01-06 Impact factor: 2.258