Infant oral health education curriculum for medical, nursing, and social work trainees

Abstract

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, and children often see their primary care practitioners more frequently than dentists (Adjaye-Gbewonyo and Black 2019-2020; National Center for Health Statistics 2019-2020). This Infant Oral Health Education Program included two online training sessions for trainees in social work, nursing, medicine, and dentistry. Trainees were assessed on anticipated changes to their practice related to children's oral health. During the first training session, trainees received a lecture on infant oral health, and then discussed a case study in interprofessional groups to reinforce the content. Trainees in medicine and nursing completed training to receive Medicaid reimbursement for performing preventive oral health services. The second training session was profession specific with tailored instructions in the form of videos, as well as a demonstration on fluoride varnish application. Of the 78 trainees (22 social work, 4 pediatric nurse practitioner, 38 pediatric medicine residents, and 14 pediatric dentistry residents), 91 % (n = 70) reported that they were introduced to at least one new health information resource or tool. Four-fifths of the eligible trainees (n = 16/20, 80 %) who completed the evaluation had fulfilled the State's requirements to receive Medicaid reimbursement for performing preventive oral health services. Three-fourths of trainees (n = 22/29, 75 %) reported that they are likely to promote children's oral health in future clinical practice. Trainees from all four professions provided positive feedback about the content.