478 - Caries Prevalence in Children that Participate in Government Assistance Programs

Title: Caries Prevalence in Children that Participate in Government Assistance Programs
Gibson J, Chopra T, Kurian S, Min-Kyung J, Miller D (Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, NY)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if children that participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have higher/lower caries rates when compared to children that do not participate in the government assistance program.

Methods: An anonymous 9 question survey was given to 70 parents that have children up to the age of 5, who would qualify to participate in The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Survey included questions about the child’s diet, previous/current dental home, prior knowledge of child caries rate percentage, previous dental emergency visits, and WIC program satisfaction.

Results: There were a total of 70 parent surveys in the study. There were 48 par;cipants in WIC and 22 non par;cipants. WIC par;cipants had a lower caries rate (P <.000), and reported receiving oral hygiene instruc;ons (P <.000). WIC par;cipants bushed fewer ;mes per day (1.79 vs. 2.00), consumed less surgery foods (1.44 vs 1.82), and less sugary beverages (1.58 vs 1.77).

Conclusion: Children that participate in WIC have fewer caries, consume less sugary foods/beverages, but brush fewer times per day than children that do not participate in WIC. Parents that participated in WIC reported receiving oral hygiene instructions and were satisfied with the food/beverage choices that the program provides.