308 - Factors Contributing to Failed Pediatric Dental Appointments: A Scoping Review

Abstract:

Aim: Children are uniquely dependent on caregivers to access health care services, including dental appointments. Reviewing existing literature to identify barriers to care can help highlight at-risk populations and inform strategies or programs to improve appointment attendance and overall access to pediatric dental care. The objective of this scoping review was to identify key factors contributing to missed or failed pediatric dental appointments.

Methods: Literature was searched across PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases using specific key vocabulary and free-text terms related to pediatric dental care and appointment attendance. To be considered for inclusion, the study had to be peer-reviewed with data collected and published in English after 2000 in the United States. The research had to exclusively focus on missed pediatric dental appointments as the target subject of the study.

Results: This scoping review examined nine studies that explored different barriers to accessing pediatric dental appointments. Of the nine studies, the researchers found that many factors seemed to be repeated. Of the most cited factors, five cited populations utilizing Medicaid, four cited longer wait times between appointments, three cited racial predilections, and two cited history of no-show appointments.

Conclusions: Studies show a correlation between lower socioeconomic status and higher adverse health outcomes and missed appointments. Families utilizing public health insurance (Medicaid) for appointments or transportation fail appointments at a higher rate. Other risk factors identified are children with special health care needs, unconfirmed appointments/forgetfulness, and miscellaneous social issues such as transportation or job inflexibility.

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