DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/HTYT-M167

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Dr. Bhavna Shroff

Second Advisor

Dr. Steven Lindauer

Third Advisor

Dr. Caroline Carrico

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Omar Abubaker

Abstract

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate whether craniofacial patients and their parents have adequate access to care, perceive this care as high quality, and believe that the incorporation of telehealth visits would benefit their current system of craniofacial care. Methods: An original survey was developed and sent to families in treatment with the Virginia Commonwealth University craniofacial team. The tool was used to gather demographic information and assess opinions toward access to, outcomes of, and telehealth services for craniofacial care. Patients 18 years and older took the survey for themselves, while patients under 18 years old had a parent/guardian take the survey on their behalf. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics and comparisons made between insurance types and income levels using chi-squared and t-tests as appropriate. vii Results: Forty-five responses were obtained from 144 contacted subjects. The majority were from parents of patients. Travel and cost were the factors most commonly ranked as barriers by individual respondents, but on average no factor was considered to be a barrier by the survey population. Income and insurance type were not significantly associated with hindering access to care. Quality of care was highly rated for treatment outcomes overall and for experiences with specific departments. Respondents felt neutral about telehealth overall, but those with past telehealth experience were significantly more likely to want it incorporated into their craniofacial care (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Respondents had satisfactory treatment outcomes and good access to care regardless of income and insurance status. While there was minimal desire to use virtual visits currently, it is likely that more patients and families will be amenable to its use as it becomes more widespread.

Rights

© Benjamin F. Lowe III, DDS

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

3-20-2023

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