Dental News - Survey shows 75 percent of parents miss bringing children to dentist by age one

Dental Tribune USA

Wed. 18 February 2015

save

POMONA, Calif., USA: A new survey from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine indicates that 75 percent of parents are not complying with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommendation to take children to the dentist by age 1. The survey found that parents in the general population bring their children to the dentist for the first time at the average age of 2 and a half.

Parents who fall under the U.S. poverty threshold bring their children to the dentist for the first time at approximately 3 and a half years old.

The survey assesses the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of patients about dental care for themselves and their children. The paper, titled “Survey Analysis of Parental Awareness and Behaviors Regarding Children’s Dental Care and Dental Infection Control,” is available for download at www.SupportCleanDentistry.com.

“The lack of knowledge parents have, and the lack of urgency of taking their children to the dentist by age one, is very concerning to me,” said Timothy S. Martinez, DMD, College of Dental Medicine associate dean of community partnerships and access to care, and the lead author of the survey report. “Age 1 is a perfect time to get a child into the dental office and begin preventative dental care that will minimize decay and early childhood caries.”

The survey was conducted in the U.S. among 304 adults, ages 18 to 65, in the general population, and 75 adults, ages 18 to 65, who fell below the poverty threshold.

Among the survey respondents with children under the age of 18, a majority of parents are not taking their children to the dentist before age 1, even though 60 percent of the parents were aware of the AAPD’s recommendation. Across all socioeconomic groups, a majority of parents are not complying simply because they “didn’t think it was necessary.” The second most common reason was that their child’s pediatrician or doctor said it wasn’t necessary. The reasons diverge among low-income respondents, with 22 percent worrying that they can’t afford dental care or that insurance won’t cover it. Although compliance for 1-year-old dental visits was very low, 88 percent of parents took advice from their dental professional and had sealants applied when recommended.

“The top three actions that parents can take to be advocates for children’s good oral health are to take them to a dental home or dental visit by age 1, make sure that their child gets sealants on their teeth, and send their child to a dental office that has a safe and clean environment,” Martinez said.

The survey also found that recent dental infection control breaches covered in the news media have influenced patient attitudes about cleanliness at the dentist. Of the people who recalled seeing or hearing these news stories (107 people), more than half of them said they have changed their outlook on going to the dentist:

41 percent report they are now more attentive to the cleanliness in the dental office.
21 percent also claimed to be more nervous about visiting the dentist.
14 percent say they now ask their dental professionals more questions about how they clean the dental equipment and office.
46 percent report that the news stories did not change their outlook.

For the most part, patients are confident that their dental practitioners are doing everything they can to create a clean environment and provide sterile equipment.
“The last thing the dental profession wants is for people to perceive infection control practices as a barrier to visiting a dentist,” Martinez said. “Disposable dental supplies such as bib holders, eye protection, and air water syringe tips are available, and patients can request these products if they are concerned about infection control practices in a dental office. Using disposable supplies prevents the transfer of germs from previous patients or dental professionals.”

About Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, Calif., and Lebanon, Ore., is an independent, nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in biomedical sciences, dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to the Patient Care Center, where collaborative health care services are offered. The Chronicle of Higher Education named WesternU a Great College to Work For in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

(Source: Western University of Health Sciences)

To post a reply please login or register

US children miss out on the dentist

LONDON, UK: Most American children do not see their family dentist until they are well over 2 years old, far later than is recommended by both dental ...

Survey respondents wary of robot dentists

An online survey regarding patients’ perceptions of robotic dentistry was one of many Embry-Riddle research projects to be presented during the 2018 ...

Interview: ‘I've seen my practice grow by 120 percent’

In an interview, Dr. Leonard Tau of the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence discusses his Internet marketing consulting business, how people use the ...

National Museum of Dentistry launches oral health resource for parents of autistic children

BALTIMORE, MD, USA: The National Museum of Dentistry has created a new resource to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorder succeed in ...

Survey: One in three nervous about seeing the dentist

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., USA One out of three Americans admits to being nervous about seeing the dentist and nearly half consider dental visits a “necessary ...

One-third of Americans have cut back on visits to the dentist

NEW YORK, NY, USA: A recent public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America found that in the past year, more than one-third (35 percent) of those...

Survey shows most patients trust doctor’s advice on vaccine

Vaccine incentives are less likely to convince Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine than a visit to their primary care physician, new research suggests. A ...

Interview: "Parents tell us that their children are now brushing correctly and independently"

Most children do not particularly love toothbrushing, and many parents will agree that getting their children to brush can be quite a hassle. As a solution,...

Survey shows majority believe implant guidelines necessary

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: The vast majority — nearly 90 percent — of dental professionals believe those who practice implant dentistry should adhere ...

Dental care habits of Americans are revealed in survey

New research detailing the dental habits and preferences of Americans was presented to the public as a way to help bring attention to World Oral Health Day,...

Education

Live webinar
Tue. 7 May 2024
8:00 PM EST (New York)