43 - Parent Perspectives on Dental Participation in a Multidisciplinary Care Clinic

Abstract:

Purpose: Children with complex medical and social needs face significant barriers to accessing dental care. Integration of dental services into multidisciplinary complex care clinics may improve access and family experience. This study aimed to evaluate parent and caregiver perceptions of dental involvement within a complex care clinic.



Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, paper format survey was administered to parents and caregivers of patients attending a complex care clinic. The survey, consisting of both closed and open-ended questions, was available in English and Spanish and included questions on demographics, access and barriers to dental care, perceived importance of dentistry to overall health, dental anxiety, satisfaction with dental education and preventive dental measures. Closed-ended responses will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses will undergo thematic analysis.




Results: Final data collection and analysis are pending. Anticipated findings include parent-reported frequency of interaction with dental providers in the clinic, perceived importance of integrated dental care, commonly reported barriers to accessing dental services outside of clinic, and perceived changes in dental anxiety and preventive care following dental intervention.

Conclusions: This study is expected to highlight parent perspectives on the value and impact of integrating dental services into pediatric complex care clinics. Findings from this survey may help to inform future multidisciplinary care models aimed at improving oral health access and family-centered care for children with complex medical and social needs.

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