165 - Pediatric Dentists’ Perspectives on Pain Management Practices

Purpose: The current study aimed to assess pediatric dentists’ utilization of and attitudes towards various evidence-based pain management approaches (EBPM).

Methods: An anonymous, online survey was sent to all members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The survey consisted of 27 items across 3 sections. Section 1 assessed the perceived importance of this topic and scope of problems associated with pain management. Section 2 evaluated pain management and assessment practices. Section 3 identified barriers to accessing and utilizing EBPM as well as interest in strategies for learning about EBPM.

Results:  Participants were 625 pediatric dentists and pediatric dentistry residents. The sample was 59% female and 40% male. Most reported racial identities were White (73%) and Asian (16%). The majority of participants identified as non-Hispanic/Latinx (93%). Providers rated managing children’s dental pain as highly important. Approximately half of providers reported spending less than five minutes facilitating pain management prior to and after dental procedures. Distraction, “tell-show-do” techniques, supportive language, and deep breathing were the most utilized non-pharmacological pain management strategies, and most providers (92%) do not utilize opioid analgesics. Opinions varied regarding the helpfulness and necessity of parental involvement in child pain care. Overwhelmingly, 98% of providers felt that it is necessary to improve pediatric dental pain management. Continuing education courses and access to concise, evidence summaries were the most preferred types of resources for accessing knowledge about EBPM.

Conclusions: Findings from this survey can inform dissemination and implementation science efforts to improve pain management practices in pediatric dentistry.