163 - Assessing the Adequacy of Nutritional Education in Dental Training: Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Dietary Counseling

Abstract:

Purpose: Nutrition plays a critical role in health; however, the degree to which dental providers feel prepared to deliver nutritional counseling is unclear. This study evaluated dentists’ perceptions of the quality of nutritional education received during dental school and/or residency, and how it influences their confidence and practices in delivering nutritional guidance.




Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was distributed via email to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) members. The survey assessed perceived training quality, frequency of nutrition-related discussions, use of screening tools, comfort level, and perceived barriers using multiple-choice and Likhert-scale responses. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and subgroup comparisons based on specialty, years in practice, and training pathway.




Results: A total of 357 respondents completed the survey. When asked to evaluate the quality of nutritional education in dental school, the most common response was “neither helpful or unhelpful” (40%). Zero respondents practicing for 0-5 years reported their dental school education as “very helpful.” Additionally, 30.6% of respondents with 16-24 years of practice reported “I do not know enough about the AAPD guidelines on nutrition to say if they are sufficient or not.” Overall, respondents reported insufficient training, underutilization of screening tools, limited confidence, and a consensus that optimized delivery of nutritional guidance would be beneficial.




Conclusion: These findings suggest a deficiency in nutritional education and familiarity with professional guidelines among providers. Optimized nutrition training during dental education and expanded continuing education opportunities are needed to strengthen providers’ ability to deliver effective preventative care in pediatric dentistry.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: