Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
College/Unit
School of Dentistry
Department/Program/Center
Dental Practice & Rural Health
Abstract
Introduction: Time demands often impact the presentation of heath related educational material/information in rural dental practices. The purpose of this study was to determine if parents/guardians were receiving information with respect to a child’s dental needs, and if there were a relationship between the delivery of the information and the utilization of dental services in Appalachia-West Virginia. Methods: A survey was presented to parents/guardians of Appalachia-West Virginia children [n=62] regarding dental information provided by their dentist/dental hygienist. The data were analyzed with Chi-square, and logistic regression.Results: Summative score of the questions on the survey (Adjusted odds ratio=6.2 [95% CI=1.1, 35.4]; p=0.057), and parental education (p=0.057) remained associated in a logistic regression with a child having had a dental visit within the previous year. Conclusions: Exposure of parents to dentally related educational material/information provided by a dentist/dental hygienist was independently associated with dental visits. The implication is that there remains a need for dental professionals to actively educate their patients.
Digital Commons Citation
Wiener, R Constance, "Oral Health Information for Appalachia-West Virginia Children: A Cross-Sectional Analysis" (2014). Faculty & Staff Scholarship. 883.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/883