Oral Health in the Pediatric Practice Setting: a Survey of Washington State Pediatricians

  1. Charlotte W. Lewis MD, MPH*,
  2. Diana C. Cantrell RN,
  3. Peter K. Domoto DDS, MPH

Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02737.x

Issue

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

Volume 64, Issue 2, pages 111–114, June 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Lewis, C. W., Cantrell, D. C. and Domoto, P. K. (2004), Oral Health in the Pediatric Practice Setting: a Survey of Washington State Pediatricians. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 64: 111–114. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02737.x

Author Information

  1. Dr. Lewis, Child Health Institute, University of Washington, Box 354920, Seattle, WA 98195. E-mail: cwlewis@u.washington.edu. Dr. Lewis is also affiliated with the Division of General Pediatrics, University of Washington. Drs. Cantrell and Domoto are with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle.

*Send correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Lewis, Child Health Institute, University of Washington, Box 354920, Seattle, WA 98195. E-mail: cwlewis@u.washington.edu.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 MAY 2007
  2. Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007
  3. Manuscript received: 6/17/03; returned to authors for revision: 8/26/03; final version accepted for publication: 10/17/03.

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Keywords:

  • oral health;
  • anticipatory guidance;
  • pediatrician

Abstract

Background: Pediatric health care providers may be the only source of preventive oral health education for families of young children who lack access to professional dental care. Objective: We surveyed Washington State pediatricians in order to characterize their oral health-related educational needs and anticipatory guidance practices. Methods: A 38-question survey was mailed to all 606 general pediatricians in Washington State. Topics included anticipatory practices and confidence in oral health-related activities. Results: Of 483 eligible participants, 271 returned completed surveys (response rate: 57%). A median of 30 percent of the well-child visit was devoted to providing anticipatory guidance. A majority (83.7%) of respondents reported providing anticipatory guidance on oral health. Conclusion: Washington State pediatricians are already involved in providing oral health anticipatory guidance. Certain factors are identified that should be addressed to allow pediatricians to promote oral health more effectively.

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