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Preventive
Sheena Nandi, DDS
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
New York University, New York, NY
New York University and Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Sheena Nandi, DDS
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
New York University, New York, NY
New York University and Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Purpose: Patients presenting to NYC H+H/Bellevue’s Ambulatory Care Pediatric Medical Clinic (PMC) for a well-child visit were provided a dental assessment, fluoride varnish application (FVA), and as-needed referral to a co-located Pediatric Dental Clinic (PDC). Outcomes and evaluation data of this pilot program were analyzed.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients who presented to PMC for a well-child visit and were provided a dental assessment between March 1 and April 30, 2021. Data pertaining to referral source, patient demographic information, dental history, dental status during assessment, and number of dental visits 7 months post-assessment were collected and analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: Ninety-nine patients met inclusion criteria, all of whom were recurring patients of PMC. Patients’ ages ranged from 1 to 16 years, with a median of 2 years. Twenty-two percent had visible decay and 98% received FVA. Forty-seven patients were referred to PDC, 57% of whom never had a prior dental visit. Of the 47 referred, those who never had a prior dental visit were more likely to return for a dental visit post-assessment than those who had a history of dental visits (93% vs. 83%, P< 0.05).
Conclusions: Developing a referral system with pediatricians can help patients establish dental homes early. It is recommended to continue this study beyond the pilot program to evaluate these patients 1 to 2 years post-assessment. These findings can act as a baseline comparison group as the program improves and incorporates a dental hygienist within PMC.