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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kathleen M. Roe, DrPH, MPH¹, Irene V. Hilton, DDS, MPH², Samantha Stephen, RDH, MS², Jorge De Luna, MPH¹, Linda Fong, MPH¹, Mary C. B. Nacionales, MPH¹, Pedro Naranjo, MPH¹, and Dionne Carter, MPH¹. (1) Health Science Department, San Jose State University, One Washington Square MH 407, SJSU, San Jose, CA 95192--0052, 408-924-2976, kmroe@casa.sjsu.edu, (2) Dental Services, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 1525 Silver Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94134

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) supports a network of community-based health and dental clinics serving low-income, multicultural neighborhoods. While preventive medical services are well-utilized, DPH dentists noted that oral health services for young children are not utilized until there is a dental crisis. In order to understand and address barriers to preventive oral care for children under 5, focus groups were conducted among African American, Chinese, Filipino, and Latino parents and caregivers (n=177, 22 focus groups). Guided by a Community Advisory Board, focus groups were held in convenient community settings; both conducted and analyzed in Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese, and English as appropriate; stratified by age and place of birth. The data were analyzed by a multicultural team using the PEN-3 model of cultural centrality to health programs and interventions. Fifteen key similarities were identified across all four groups, including the number of caring adults involved in the health of young children, commitment to doing what is right for younger family members, and the impact of adult caregivers' negative personal dental experiences. Eighteen key differences between groups were identified, including the ultimate family health decision-maker, the range of trusted practitioners, and the nature and extent of negative adult dental experiences. Recommendations are made for dental education and professional preparation; outreach; clinical care for young children; alliances with other providers and policy makers, and further research. Supported by US DHHS/NIH/NIDCR U54 DE142501.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Identify three similarities between African American, Filipino, Chinese, and Latino caregivers in attitudes regarding preventive oral health care for young children;
• Discuss three ways in which pediatric oral health services, outreach, and follow-up could be tailored to meet the needs and experiences of diverse multicultural populations.

Keywords: Oral Health, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation