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The purpose of this study was to test whether an interactive, web-based training program is more effective than an existing, flat-text, e-learning program at improving oral health students' knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to address signs of disordered eating behaviors with patients. Eighteen oral health classes of dental and dental hygiene students were randomized to either the Intervention (interactive program; n=259) or Alternative (existing program; n=58) conditions. Hierarchical linear modeling assessed for posttest differences between groups while controlling for baseline measures. Improvement among Intervention participants was superior to those who completed the Alternative program for three of the six outcomes: benefits/barriers, self-efficacy, and skills-based knowledge (effect sizes ranging from 0.43 to 0.87). This study thus suggests that interactive training programs may be better than flat-text e-learning programs for improving the skills-based knowledge and self-efficacy necessary for behavior change.

Purpose: This study's purpose was to compare dental visits and oral health knowledge of African American (AA) and Hispanic American (HA) pregnant adolescents in a community health clinic., Methods: Demographics, oral health knowledge, oral hygiene, and dental visits during pregnoncy were surveyed by anonymous questionnaire to adolescents who were pregnant at the time of the study or within the last year., Results: Responses from 50 AA and 61 HA adolescents between 12 and 20 years old were analyzed. Fourteen percent of AAs and 26 percent of HAs saw a dentist during pregnancy, while 26 percent of AAs and 16 percent of HAs reported regular 6-month visits when not pregnant. Fifty-two percent of AAs and 43 percent of HAs knew that oral health problems could affect the pregnancy or growth of the baby. Thirty-four percent of AAs and 56 percent of HAs knew that pregnancy was related to gum problems (P = .02). Logistic regression revealed the predictors of a dental visit during pregnancy, including living with a boyfriend/husband (P = .02, odds ratio = 4.4, confidence interval = 13-153) and dental visits when not pregnant (P < .001, OR = 13.6, CI = 3.7-50.5)., Conclusions: Minority pregnant adolescents had only limited dental visits whether or not they were pregnant and possessed limited knowledge of oral health and pregnancy outcomes.

Primary care providers' involvement with and perceptions of the epidemic of early childhood caries could be related to attitudes and knowledge of the disease as well as to differences in discipline-based recommendations. A cross-sectional survey of demographics, opinions on infant oral health care visits and importance of infant oral health care, knowledge of tooth eruption, and knowledge of health care guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) was administered by several methods to first- and fourth-year dental and medical students at two University of Illinois campuses. Some expected variations were found among dental and medical students pertaining to perceptions and knowledge of infant oral health. Higher proportions of dental students responded correctly or considered the issues very important. However, Rockford medicine students were more likely to know when children should be weaned, yet less likely to agree with recommendations for time of first dental visit. Furthermore, fourth-year dental students were less likely than first-year dental students to give the recommended answer for age of first dental visit. Variances of opinions and basic knowledge of infant oral health of dental and medical students showed inconsistencies with desired outcomes of educational and clinical experiences. Further research is needed to understand the role of experience and other factors to effectively educate primary care providers in this area.

Background: Dental surgery under general anesthesia (GA) is a common treatment for severe childhood caries and thus may serve as an event to motivate behavior change. The frequency of recurrent caries, however, indicates opportunities within current practice to change a child's oral health behaviors. Aim: To assess caregiver experiences related to their child's dental surgery to inform development of a behavioral intervention. Design: Semi‐structured interviews with caregivers of children receiving GA for dental surgery. Transcripts (n = 19) were analyzed using qualitative thematic methods. Results: Children were 2–5 years of age, mean 3.8 years. Limited access to GA services was a source of caregiver frustration and a barrier to caries treatment. Surgical events elicited emotional reactions including guilt, anxiety, and a sense of caregiver accountability for development of severe caries. There was variation in caregiver awareness and/or motivation to change oral health behaviors. Conclusions: A child's dental surgery under GA is an emotionally challenging event yet may inspire hope and expectations for improvement. Surgery offers an opportunity to implement interventions at a time when caregivers may be open to assistance with behavior change, though stress and anxiety may create barriers. Behavioral interventions should be tailored to individual caregiver needs/barriers and stage of developmental readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although oral health care providers (OHP) are key in the secondary prevention of eating disorders (ED), the majority are not engaged in assessment, referral, and case management. This innovative pilot project developed and evaluated a web- based training program for dental and dental hygiene students and providers on the secondary prevention of ED. The intervention combined didactic and skill-based objectives to train OHP on ED and its oral health effects, OHP roles, skills in identifying the oral signs of ED, communication, treatment, and referral. Using a convenience sample of OHP (n=66), a pre-/post-test evaluated short-term outcomes and user satisfaction. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in self-efficacy (p<.001); knowledge of oral manifestations from restrictive behaviors (p<.001) and purging behaviors (p<.001); knowledge of oral treatment options (p<.001); and attitudes towards the secondary prevention of ED (p<.001). Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the program provided more information (89 percent) and resources (89 percent) about the secondary prevention of ED than were currently available; 91 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they would access this program for information regarding the secondary prevention of ED. This pilot project provides unique training in the clinical evaluation, patient approach, referral, and oral treatment that takes a multidisciplinary approach to address ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A large study of risky pre-teen behavior provided an opportunity to examine self-reported toothbrushing frequency for stability over time and adequacy.Methods: 1115 metropolitan African-American children at risk for violence and drug use self-reported toothbrushing frequency in at least one of five measurement points from 5th to 8th grade as part of a larger study. Longitudinal data were available for 815 students.Results: 81% reported mainly twice daily, 8% reported mainly once daily, 10% changed over time, and 1% were consistently less than once daily.Conclusions: Overall, the children reported once or twice daily toothbrushing frequency, stable between 5th and 8th grades. A minority of children showed low or inconsistent frequencies and these results may indicate an opportunity for intervention to improve habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of a lecture on children's oral health knowledge of pregnant women from vulnerable African American (AA) and Hispanic of Mexican origin (HM) populations utilizing the same urban community health center prenatal education program. Methods: Participants heard one 45-minute lecture in English or Spanish on children's oral health, and completed a survey (English or Spanish) before and after the lecture. Results: Seven sessions provided 60 participants: (a) 30 AA; and (b) 30 HM. These two groups differed on: (1) educational attainment; (2) preferred language; (3) country of origin; and (4) baseline scores. They were similar in: (1) age; (2) frequency of,first mothers; and (3) final scores. Oral health knowledge significantly rose from baseline to the end of the lecture (ANOVA, P<.001). Educational attainment was associated with HM baseline scores (P=.04), whereas age was associated with AA final scores (P=.01). Conclusions: An oral health lecture within a prenatal program improved oral health knowledge for African American and Hispanic of Mexican origin pregnant women, though associated factors varied between the two groups. Further study is needed to explore long-term knowledge retention and effect on the future babies' oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]