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Juyoung Joyce An, DMD
Resident - Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
C Pendleton, MS
Florida State University College of Medicine
P Damiano, DDS, MPH
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Kecia S. Leary, DDS MS (she/her/hers)
Associate Dean of Clinics
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
S Lewis, MS
University of Iowa College of Public Health
B McInroy, BA
University of Iowa College of Public Health
C Owen, RDH, MS, MPH
National Network of Oral Health Access
Julie C. Reynolds, DDS MS
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Julie C. Reynolds, DDS MS
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Heidi Steinkamp, DDS PhD MS
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Background: Pediatric populations in resource-limited communities experience high rates of chronic conditions. Medical-dental integration (MDI) can enhance early disease detection and preventive care. This study examined MDI services at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the U.S. and investigated whether clinics that see more children provide more integrated preventive services.
Methods: In November 2023, an online survey was distributed to medical and dental leadership at FQHCs via the National Network of Oral Health Access listserv. Respondents reported on preventive services offered and the percentage of pediatric patients in the clinics. Descriptive data and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess whether the percentage of pediatric patients would influence the provision of preventive services.
Results: A total of 31 medical and 171 dental clinic respondents participated in the survey. The most provided POHS (preventive oral health services) in medical clinics included oral evaluations, education, and dental referrals. In dental clinics, the most offered PPCMS (preventive primary care medical services) comprised hypertension screening, tobacco cessation counseling, and medical referrals. No statistically significant association was noted between the percentage of pediatric patients and the provision of POHS in medical clinics. However, hypertension screening was more commonly conducted in dental clinics with fewer pediatric patients (P < .001, Q=.045).
Conclusion: Hypertension screening was notably more offered in dental clinics with fewer pediatric patients among the various preventive services offered at FQHCs. This finding underscores the distinct roles of medical and dental providers in MDI. Strengthening MDI is essential for enhancing access to comprehensive preventive care.
Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number:
Research was supported by the Smile Grant from the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (grant number = 18749900) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (grant number = D88HP37557).