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Document Type

DNP - University Access Only

Award Date

2017

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Linda Burdette

Keywords

Bright Futures, primary care providers, fluoride varnish, pediatrics, early childhood caries, educational seminar, access to care

Abstract

Objective: Early childhood caries are the most common chronic health condition among children, and are completely preventable with good oral health measures (SDDOH, 2014). Access to dental health is problematic for underserved and rural children. The goal of this project was to improve the knowledge and attitudes of primary care providers (PCPs) to promote the use of oral health assessment, anticipatory guidance, referral, and preventive oral health services as part of their well-child care (WCC) practices.
Methods: Providers participated in an educational seminar, based on the Bright Futures Oral Health curriculum. PCPs completed a pre-test knowledge and confidence survey before participating in the education, and then after the seminar completed the identical post-test surveys to determine if there was an increase in confidence and knowledge. PCPs as well as ancillary staff were given a demonstration, prior to distributing the fluoride varnish for use, to properly explain best practices to applying the fluoride varnish. Impact from education on knowledge and confidence was statistically analyzed using the paired t-test, McNemar’s, and Sign tests. Clinical significance was measured using a CPT code review to determine if gained knowledge translated into a practice change based on the number of times PCPs billed for fluoride varnish application.
Results: A total of 11 participating PCPs completed both pre- and post-tests and participated in the educational seminar. Eight weeks after the intervention, the providers displayed statistically significant results in both their confidence and knowledge relating to oral health concepts. The CPT code review revealed in the eight weeks post-intervention 32, CPT codes were billed for fluoride varnish application, proving clinical significance.
Conclusions: Bright Futures Oral Health Curriculum was effective in increasing the confidence and knowledge of pediatric oral health concepts. When delivered in a seminar environment along with a demonstration on proper technique in applying fluoride varnish, the curriculum promoted improved confidence and knowledge scores that translated into a practice change to include oral health into WCC. PCPs are effective at helping bridge the gap between underserved children and oral health care.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Children -- Dental care
Dental Public health
Health education -- South Dakota
Mouth -- Care and hygiene
Teeth -- Care and hygiene

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 86-92)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

122

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/

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