The impact of WIC dental screenings and referrals on utilization of dental services among low-income children

M D McCunniff; P C Damiano; M J Kanellis; S M Levy

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The impact of WIC dental screenings and referrals on utilization of dental services among low-income children

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The impact of WIC dental screenings and referrals on utilization of dental services among low-income children

M D McCunniff, P C Damiano, M J Kanellis and S M Levy

Pediatric dentistry, Vol.20(3), pp.181-187

05/1998

PMID: 9635314

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Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined whether referrals from nondental health professionals impacted utilization of dental services by low-income populations. A sample of 309 mothers enrolled in the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) clinic in Jackson County, Missouri, completed a self-administered, 32-item questionnaire to assess the mother and child's oral health behavior and past use of dental services. Dental utilization, the primary dependent variable, was defined as whether or not the child had ever been to a dentist. Findings showed 27% of the children in the sample had been referred for dental care. Bivariate analysis indicated that a dental referral, age of the child, age of the mother, mother's perceived dental need for the child, household size, number of children in the household, and dental insurance for the child were associated with a child having a dental visit. Logistic regression, however, indicated that only age was significantly related to utilization. The results showed a strong effect of increasing age being related to dental utilization, while additional research is needed to clarify the importance of WIC referrals.

Age Factors

Humans

Middle Aged

Child, Preschool

Infant

Dental Care for Children - utilization

Health Services Needs and Demand

Maternal Age

Maternal-Child Health Centers

Missouri

Adult

Female

Surveys and Questionnaires

Parity

Poverty

Cross-Sectional Studies

Attitude to Health

Insurance, Dental

Logistic Models

Health Behavior

Family Characteristics

Mass Screening

Analysis of Variance

Adolescent

Tooth Diseases - prevention & control

Referral and Consultation

Mouth Diseases - prevention & control

Oral Health

Oral Health Policy

Details

Title: Subtitle: The impact of WIC dental screenings and referrals on utilization of dental services among low-income children
Creators: M D McCunniff - Department of Dental Public Health, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, USA
P C Damiano
M J Kanellis
S M Levy
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Pediatric dentistry, Vol.20(3), pp.181-187
PMID: 9635314
NLM abbreviation: Pediatr Dent
ISSN: 0164-1263
eISSN: 1942-5473
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; United States
Language: English
Date published: 05/1998
Academic Unit: Preventive and Community Dentistry; Health Management and Policy; Epidemiology; Dental Clinic Administration; Pediatric Dentistry; Public Policy Center (Archive); University College Courses; Oral Health Policy Research
Record Identifier: 9983917771302771

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