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Practice Management

280 - An Evaluation of Parental Dental Insurance Literacy for Pediatric Dental Patients

Saturday, May 23, 2026
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Jasmine S. Copeland, MHS, DDS

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    Howard University, Washington, D.C.
    Howard University College of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Residency
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RS

    Reginald Salter, MBA, DDS, PhD, FICD, FACD

    Assistant Professor Comprehensive Dentistry and Director Admissions, Student Activities & Programs
    Howard University
    District of Columbia, District of Columbia, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • RS

    Reginald Salter, MBA, DDS, PhD, FICD, FACD

    Assistant Professor Comprehensive Dentistry and Director Admissions, Student Activities & Programs
    Howard University
    District of Columbia, District of Columbia, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • LB

    LaToya Barham, DDS

    Program Director
    Howard University College of Dentistry Pediatric Department
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Purpose: This study evaluated parents’ understanding of their child’s dental insurance and examined whether insurance type and racial/ethnic group predict dental insurance literacy. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used to assess dental insurance literacy among 70 parents/caregivers of pediatric dental patients at a university-based clinic. The validated Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM) was used to evaluate confidence and behavior related to choosing and using dental insurance. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Premium 29, and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine relationships between dental insurance literacy, insurance type, and racial/ethnic group.

Results: Participants reported moderate to high confidence in selecting and using dental insurance; however, behavioral engagement was consistently lower. Participants were less likely to compare plans, verify coverage, or effectively utilize benefits. Educational attainment was positively associated with confidence. Differences between Medicaid and privately insured participants suggested system-level complexity contributes to disparities. Behavioral engagement in using insurance was the weakest domain.

Conclusion: Dental insurance literacy is influenced by both individual and structural factors, and confidence alone does not ensure effective utilization. The gap between confidence and behavior represents a meaningful barrier to care. Improving outcomes requires shifting focus from coverage alone to functional literacy and system navigation. Interventions should emphasize practical education and simplification of insurance systems to support informed decision-making and reduce disparities in pediatric oral health.