203123 Primary Caries Prevention intervention in a WIC clinic by non-WIC clinic staff

Wednesday, November 11, 2009: 9:00 AM

Amos S. Deinard, MD, MPH , Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
  
WIC clinics offer an opportunity to intercept high-risk children and their caregivers on a quarterly basis to promote oral health literacy and caries prevention interventions. A demonstration project was begun in October 2007, in a WIC clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota to test that premise. The clinic services a population that is predominately Hispanic (68%) and Somali (28%). One Hispanic and one Somali interpreter were hired to work in the clinic two full days a week (Monday/Wednesday). They were trained on the content of the anticipatory guidance and how to apply fluoride varnish. They were also instructed to call families one-to-two weeks before the next visit to the clinic for coupon pick-up and remind the caregiver to bring her/his child for the next fluoride varnish application. During 2008, 1496 children were varnished one time, 163 varnished twice, 16 varnished three times, and 4 were varnished four times. The paper will review the challenges and success of this approach to primary caries prevention.

Learning Objectives:
Design a caries prevention intervention to be delivered by WIC interpreters. Describe at least one challenge of implementing fluoride varnishing in WIC clinics.

Keywords: Oral Health, WIC

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Fluoride varnish is considered a medical device by the FDA and is used 'off-label' as a means of preventing caries.

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have directed primary care clinics for high-risk populations, conducted research on emergency dental care at hospital emergency departments, and am currently conducting a demonstration project (primary caries prevention intervention for primary care medical practices). The WIC clinic that is the subject of the paper has been providing caries prevention services for over one year under my supervision.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Improving Access to Oral Health Services
See more of: Oral Health