DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/E2VQ-7116
Defense Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Pediatric Dentistry
First Advisor
Julie Coe
Second Advisor
Tegwyn Brickhouse
Third Advisor
Al Best
Abstract
To examine the pediatric dentists’ perspective on level of care to children 0-3 years old by general dentists, an electronic survey was sent out to 5185 AAPD members and 769 responded (response rate: 14.8%). Forty-six percent agreed with a general dentist providing a dental home to children 0-3 years old. Only 24% agreed that general dentists could perform complex restorative and behavior management procedures for 0-3 years old. Younger respondents, pediatric dentists who practice in rural areas or teaching pediatric dentistry, and those who perceived adequate exposure during dental school were more likely to agree on general dentists proving a dental home (p values ranged from <0.0001 to 0.022). This study finding can help guide what level of care general dentists may provide and when a referral to a pediatric dentist is recommended and the appropriate competency level of entry-level general dentists to care for 0-3 years old.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-1-2015