130 - A Survey of Pediatric Dental residents and faculty regarding the LGBTQ Patient Population

Purpose: To assess the knowledge and practice amongst pediatric dentistry programs regarding patients who belong to the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community.
 

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to 1068 participants (917 pediatric dentistry residents and 151 pediatric dentistry faculty members) across the United States. The significance of variation in the pattern of non-ordinal responses with the group was assessed with Fisher’s Exact tests.  Exact methods were used to address small sample sizes and empty cells. All statistical testing was 2-sided with a significance level of 5%; SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary North Carolina) was used throughout.
 

Results: In total, 132 residents and 40 faculty members responded to the survey. Faculty and Residents differed significantly on requiring LGBTQ in the curriculum (Q10) and acquired skills to provide equal service to both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ patients (Q8) with Residents more likely to respond in the affirmative (p < 0.001). Faculty and residents reported a significantly similar response in agreement that yes, the AAPD should publish an exclusive policy statement regarding LGBTQ oral health disparities (p=0.01).
 

Conclusion: The resident and faculty participants of Pediatric Dentistry programs in the United States have adequate awareness of managing LGBTQ patients in the dental office, are willing to treat these patients, and most respondents have an interest in education.