A Qualitative Approach to Understanding the Integration of Oral Health Messages in Primary Care Settings for Adolescents in the Deep South

Background: Extensive strides have been made in advancing the knowledge and promotion of oral health, but substantial disparities remain. More specifically, children and adolescents living in the “Deep South” (e.g. South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia) are placed at higher risk for poor health outcomes, which may extend into adulthood.  Among all adolescents aged 12–19 years, 20% currently have untreated decay.  Other than the first year of life, there is no other developmental stage that individuals grow more than the period of adolescence. We are exploring the feasibility of including messages about oral health during primary care visits, encouraging opportunities to reduce oral health disparities in this vulnerable population.

Study Purpose: To identify opportunities to increase awareness about oral health integration within primary care settings in the “Deep South”, from the perspectives of primary care providers serving adolescents (ages 11-17).

Methods: To use an electronic questionnaire survey to understand pediatric provider’s current knowledge, willingness, and attitudes towards including oral health messages within their patient visits. Conducting follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews to provide an opportunity to further explore the experiences of primary care providers as it relates to integration of oral health messages within their medical visits. Identifying opportunities to increase awareness about medical-dental collaborations in the Deep South via focus groups. 
 
Conclusion: The data will be analyzed by August 2014.  The themes from this investigation may contribute to potential efforts that will support medical-dental collaborations as a systems level approach to improving oral health.