The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57798

Kathy M. Lituri, RDH, MPH¹, Betty J Ruth, MSW, MPH², Karen A. Davis, MSW, MPH³, Scott Miyake Geron, PhD², and Raul Garcia, DMD, MMedSc⁴. (1) Northeast Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, Boston University School of Dental Medcine, 715 Albany Street, 560, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02118-2526, 617-638-5202, lituri@bu.edu, (2) Boston University School of Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, (3) Division of Epidemiology, Bureau of Surveillance, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth St, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10013, (4) Northeast Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medcine, 715 Albany Street, 560, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02118-2526

Objective: The social impact of oral disease in children and adolescents is substantial. There are many ecological, behavioral, dietary and host factors associated with formation, progress and/or inhibition of dental caries. Oral health promotion that targets the ecological factors are essential and should be emphasized in any efforts aimed at achieving desired oral health outcomes. Social workers involved with children and adolescents may be well suited to promote oral health with their clients. Methods: MSW students (165; 84.1% response) and faculty field instructors (97; 48.5% response) at Boston University School of Social Work were surveyed on their oral health knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and experiences. Results: Over 80% of both the MSW students and field-based practicing faculty believed that they should be involved in oral health promotion with their clients. Although 29% percent of students and 30% of faculty identified children and adolescents as the populations most affected by poor oral health, and 31% of the students and more than half of the field instructors rated their clients oral health as “fair” or “poor”, 50% of the students and 67% of the faculty have been unable to easily locate oral health services for their clients. Conclusion: Although social workers recognize the social impact of poor oral health in children and adolescents, they do not appear to be well-informed enough to effectively promote or access oral health services for their clients. Educational opportunities exist for social workers and oral health professionals to effectively join forces and should be delved into further. Support by U54 DE14264

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
• Recognize and articulate opportunities for social workers and oral health professionals to effectively collaborate and promote oral health among populations with significant social needs.
• Describe the barriers faced by social workers and oral health professionals in efforts to effectively collaborate.
• Describe the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of the social workers surveyed with regard to oral health promotion.

Keywords: Oral Health, Social Work

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Research Assistant, Clinical Instructor, Oral Health and Social Work Pilot Project, funded by Goldman School of Dental Medicine through the Northeast Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities (Raul Garcia, DMD, MMedSc, Principal Investigator,