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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Theresa G. Mayfield, DMD¹, Charles J. Mundt, MA², Melissa A. Schreck, MAT², and Misty D. Smith, MSSW². (1) School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, 501 South Preston Street, Room E-2, Louisville, KY 40202, 502-852-2474, tgmayf01@louisville.edu, (2) School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 555 South Floyd Street, K 4026, Louisville, KY 40202

Administrators and policy makers have only speculated how dental professionals might provide services during a bioterrorism or mass disaster event. At present, there are no published data on dental professionals' interest or motivation in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This study was an opportunity for researchers at the University of Louisville's School of Dentistry to better understand the interests and motivation of dental professionals in responding to a bioterrorism or mass disaster event. The study consisted of a paper-based survey mailed out one-time to 800 randomly selected dental professionals, 400 dentists and 400 dental hygienists, licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The survey instrument consisted of questions designed to assess dental professionals' level of interest in responding to a bioterrorism or mass disaster event and to identify any potential barriers to serving as a responder, as well as collect demographic information. Interest variables assessed included being a responder to a natural disaster, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incident in the community. Motivation variables assessed included being fearful of litigation or malpractice issues, concerned about personal safety, obligated as a primary caretaker of dependents, having adequate skills, and having knowledge of how to get involved in a community response. The results of the survey will be analyzed and discussed. This study was funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum Development Program (BTCDP) awarded to a consortium of schools and professionals from the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe dental professionals’ interests towards responding to a bioterrorism or mass disaster event.
• Identify potential barriers that may deter dental professionals from responding to a bioterrorism or mass disaster event.
• Discuss implications of the results in integrating dental professionals into preparedness and response plans.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Workforce

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation