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

Abstract #64934

Donna M. Damon¹, Bonnie G McRee, MPH¹, Janice A. Vendetti, MPH¹, Thomas F. Babor, PhD, MPH¹, and Steven M. Lepowsky, DDS². (1) Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6325, 860-679-5436, damon@up.uchc.edu, (2) Director, Advanced Education in General Dentistry, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3910

Funded by a grant from Donaghue Medical Research Foundation, the Vital Signs project is evaluating the feasibility of implementing screening and brief intervention (SBI) programs for smokers and at-risk drinkers in dental settings. SBI incorporates a self-report screening assessment to identify patients who may be at-risk drinkers and/or smokers. An intervention consisting of low intensity, short duration counseling is then delivered to those who screen positive. Four community health clinics serving primarily Medicaid-eligible patients are enrolled.

The study is designed to evaluate two implementation models. One model provides on-site training to dentists, hygienists, and assistants. A second model provides not only training but also extended technical assistance by a team of University-based health educators. Outcome measures include the number of patients screened and the proportion of eligible patients receiving brief interventions. Dental staff attitudes, knowledge and self-efficacy are also measured at three time points.

Although the study is ongoing, preliminary data from two of the four clinics indicate staff involvement in the initial decision to participate in the study, the presence of a clinic coordinator, and having the University health educators available for assistance are factors facilitating SBI implementation. Dental staff also indicate they are more confident at the end of the study in providing SBI to at-risk patients. To date over 400 patients have been screened. Seventy-three percent of the smokers screened and 35% of the at-risk drinkers received a brief intervention. The final analysis will compare the two implementation models when the study is completed in April, 2003.

Learning Objectives:

Learning objectives:
• Describe two Vital Signs Screening and Brief Intervention Implementation (SBI) models,
• Discuss the measures used to evaluate dental staff uptake of the SBI procedures,
• Assess the practical application of the SBI procedures to ‘real world’ community dental clinic culture.

Keywords: Screening, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.