409 - The Implementation of Dental Guidance by Pediatric Healthcare Providers

Purpose: The objective of this research is to identify the gaps in medical education when it comes to the oral development and health of children. 

Methods: This study uses a survey model to determine the knowledge of pediatric healthcare professionals on dental anticipatory guidance and whether they feel they were educated enough in their training to provide such information to caregivers.

Results: 41% of the participants received more than 0-5 hours of education in their professional school training, and only 17% felt they were given enough education in school to comfortably deliver dental anticipatory guidance to caregivers. 48% responded they feel comfortable delivering this information to parents, but all attributed this to work or residency experience. The average score on the quiz portion of the survey assessing dental anticipatory guidance knowledge was 62%.

Conclusion: Professional healthcare training programs should provide a more comprehensive curriculum of dental education especially for the pediatric population.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by St. Barnabas Hospital.