397 - A Survey in North Carolina Regarding Special Needs Pediatric Patients

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of general dentists and pediatric dentists in North Carolina towards providing dental care to pediatric patients with special health care needs(PSHCN).

Methods: An 18-item questionnaire was emailed to 2000 general and pediatric dentists in North Carolina who were members of the North Carolina Dental Society. Data analysis using chi-square tests were used to determine statistical differences between both groups. P-values less than 0.05 were be considered significant.

Results: Of the 224 qualified responses, 186 were from general dentists (9%) and 38 were from pediatric dentists (~20%). 100% of pediatric dentists reported treating PSHCN (p < 0.001) compared to only 56% of general dentists. 100% Pediatric dentists also stated that they were confident in treating PSHCN compared to 43% of general dentists who were not confident (p < 0.001). Reasons cited for not treating PSHCN included not having the right practice set up (~71%), inadequate training (~ 63%) and patient behavior was a barrier (60%). Only ~ 6 % stated it was not profitable.

Conclusions: The data indicates that more general dentists in North Carolina would be willing to treat PSHCN with additional hands-on training, adequate facilities, sedation options and hospital privileges.