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Growth & Development

332 - Improving Parental Health Literacy on Molar Hypo-mineralization

Saturday, May 23, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Crystal Smith, DMD (she/her/hers)

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    NYU Langone Dental Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
    NYU Langone
    Salisbury, Maryland, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • AS

    Ariel Snell, DMD, MPH

    NYU Langone Dental Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
    Fruitland, Maryland, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • AL

    Andrea Lochan, DMD

    Program Director
    NYU Langone Dental Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
    Princess Anne, Maryland, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Despite its clinical significance, awareness and understanding of molar hypo-mineralization (MH) in pediatric patients remain limited in the United States, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The objective of this study was to assess changes in parents’ understanding of MH before and after reading an educational book.

Methods: A prospective, observational educational intervention study was conducted among parents/caregivers of pediatric dental patients (ages 0-17) receiving care at a Chesapeake Community Health Dental Clinic in rural Maryland. Participants completed a structured questionnaire measuring baseline MH knowledge, read an educational book, and then completed a post-education questionnaire. The educational book informed caregivers about the etiology, clinical presentation, and management of the condition and is considered a child-friendly educational storybook designed for health education through narrative learning. Knowledge changes were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the educational material in improving parent/caregiver understanding of MH.

Results: A total of 63 parents/caregivers of pediatric dental patients aged 17 months to 17 years participated in the study. Overall, awareness and understanding of MH increased significantly after reading the book. Pre-intervention, the median number of correct questionnaire responses was 6 (IQR: 4-7) compared to 8 (IQR: 7-9) post-intervention. The mean knowledge score improved significantly from 5.6 (SD:1.9) to 8.1 (SD:1.4) post-intervention (P < .0001).

Conclusion: Brief, accessible educational resources can significantly improve parental knowledge of MH, supporting future clinic-based education strategies, early diagnosis and improved preventive care engagement for children at risk.

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