182 - Evaluation of Dental Knowledge in Pediatric Medicine Residents

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the dental knowledge of pediatric medicine residents, their application of dental knowledge of during patient care, and the effectiveness of an oral health education presentation in increasing the dental knowledge of pediatric medicine residents.

Methods: Pediatric medicine residents at Montefiore Medical Center participated in this study. Assessment consisted of a 15-item questionnaire completed immediately before and after a pediatric dental resident presented an oral health education lecture to the participants.

Results: There was a significant difference between the pretest and post-test scores (P=.001). The pre-test (N=15) had a median score of 50, and the post-test (N=14) has a median score of 80. 85%  of the residents inquire parents about oral hygiene practices and recent dental history, and 77% inquire parents about their children’s nighttime bottle use. However, 69% do not screen for dental decay, and 92% do not provide anticipatory guidance for oral-dental trauma.

Conclusions: An oral health education presentation was effective in increasing the dental knowledge of pediatric medicine residents.