Pediatric and Infant Oral Health Education in Ohio Hygiene Programs.

1. Results: Conclusions: Pediatric and Infant Oral Health Education in Ohio Hygiene Programs. Goldberg R*, Gupta C, Amini H, and Noel, B, (Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH) Introduction: Objective: Graph 1: • To assess Ohio dental hygiene students’ perceptions of their training in the area of pediatric and infant oral health care. • 8 percent of 2-year-olds had at least one decayed or filled tooth and that by age 5, 40 percent of children were affected • Dental Caries is the most common chronic childhood disease — five times more common than asthma.  • The most prevalent unmet health need among children with special health care needs is oral health care. Results: • Of 193 surveys, 164 (85%) were returned. • More than 80% of respondents reported they had no clinical experience using knee-to-knee technique. • Only 55% reported hands on experience with fluoride varnish application to the teeth of very young children. • Majority reported they were comfortable seeing very young children with special needs (83%), children with handicaps (73%), and those with HIV (70%). • As hygienists, 88% feel that they were the most qualified dental professional to initiate preventative care on an infant and establish a relationship with the caregiver. • Of the hygiene students participating in this study, 63% still desired more education and hands-on experience in their curriculum in the area of infant oral health. Methods: • A questionnaire was sent to 193 dental hygiene students enrolled in 12 hygiene programs across Ohio. • The questionnaire consisted of seven questions related to their personal experiences within their programs in the area of infant and pediatric oral health education. • Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. • Questions asked regarding hygiene students’: Perception: • Qualification to initiate infant care, desire for more education Experience: • Knee-to-Knee technique, fluoride varnish application Comfort: • Seeing HIV+, special needs, and handicapped children • List of 12 Hygiene Programs in Ohio: • Ohio State University • Columbus State Community College • Cuyahoga Community College • Lakeland Community College • James A. Rhodes State College • Raymond Walters College • Youngstown State University • Lorain County Community College • Stark State College of Technology • Sinclair Community College • Shawnee State University • Owens State Community College Image 1: Fluoride varnish application • These findings suggest current Ohio hygiene programs can improve their educational curriculum in the area of pediatric and infant oral health care. Image 2: Knee-to-Knee Technique