394 - Bridging the Gap in Pediatric Preventive Dental Care in California

Purpose: To evaluate preventive practices, perceived barriers, and attitudes toward preventive dentistry among general dentists (GD) and pediatric dentists (PD) in California.

Methods: An IRB-approved (IRB#25-0065) 30-question cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey was distributed via AAPD, CDA, and California dental societies from August–December 2025 using Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Two-sample t-tests compared knowledge scores, and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests evaluated differences between GDs and PDs (P <.05). Likert responses were collapsed to reflect agreement, and frequency categories were used to compare preventive practices.

Results: A total of 101 responses were received, with 66 meeting inclusion criteria (32 GDs, 34 PDs). Preventive dentistry was widely supported, with high agreement that dentists should provide preventive care. Preventive practices, including fluoride, sealants, and oral health education, were commonly reported. PDs demonstrated higher median knowledge scores than GDs; however, no statistically significant differences were observed. Key barriers included reimbursement limitations and patient cost. Providers also identified poor patient compliance, limited oral health education, and dental anxiety as challenges. Provider-level factors, including gaps in knowledge, training, motivation, and time constraints, were also reported. Most respondents indicated a need for increased state legislative support.

Conclusions: Preventive dentistry is widely practiced among California dentists; however, provider, patient, and systemic barriers limit implementation. Addressing reimbursement challenges, improving patient education and compliance, and strengthening provider training and policy support are critical to expanding preventive care delivery.