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69 - Caries Prevalence and Treatment Follow-Up in Middle Tennessee Head Start

Friday, May 22, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM PST
Has Audio
Abstract:


Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries among Head Start attendees in Nashville, Tennessee, between the ages of 3 and 6 years old, and to determine whether the child receives follow-up care within one academic year.



Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using electronic dental health records of children enrolled in Head Start programs who received dental screenings or examinations between August 24, 2022 and November 6, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Patient data was de-identified and recorded using unique numerical identifiers. Variables collected included patient date of birth, dates of initial and follow-up screenings or examinations, and clinical findings such as the presence or absence of dental caries and restorations at each visit. Descriptive statistics were applied, and the Friedman test was used to assess follow-up care patterns.



Results: Of 1135 patients, 222 received follow-up exam in Year 2 and 36 received follow-up exam in Year 3. From Year 1 to Year 2, patients had a statistically significant increase in dmft (χ²(1) = 59.52, P < .001). 71.0% (49/69) of children showed no evidence of receiving treatment after one year and 62.5% of children showed no evidence of receiving treatment after two years.



Conclusion: At follow-up screenings and exams, children with identified dental caries at Head Start screenings do not receive follow-up dental treatment and have increase in caries prevalence over time, suggesting gaps in care delivery and the need for improved follow-up in establishing dental homes.

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