With oral diseases among the most common health problems in the United States, a new approach to effect wide dissemination of oral health information is needed. Promotion of oral health and primary prevention requires early counseling of new and expectant mothers/caretakers, early identification of high risk children, and effective interventions by allied non-dental health providers as well as by dentists. The Partners in Prevention Program is designed to encourage health personnel with early access to children and their parents to provide basic and accurate oral health education messages and incorporate those messages into their general health education programs. More than 300 health care providers in 14 New York City hospitals, including pediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, residents, midwives, nutritionists, health educators, et al. participated in infant oral health presentations by a trained pediatric dentist. A pre-test questionaire to assess baseline knowledge revealed a low level of information; following the presentation, a post-test showed significant improvement (mean correct responses pre x=8.99, s.d.2.32,post x=12.59, s.d. 1.72; p<.001).Raising the level of oral health information available to new parents may be an important factor in further reductions in dental decay and other problems of childhood.
Learning Objectives: 1.to train health professionals about oral health issues and disease prevention so they can disseminate accurate oral health messages to their patients 2.to recognize oral health as an essential component of overall health 3. to emphasize the value of partnering with prenatal and perinatal primary care providers for preventive and interceptive strategies to be effective
Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York university College of Dentistry
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.