151 - Language Barriers in Pediatric Dental Care

Purpose:

To evaluate whether language barriers, measured by primary language, English proficiency, and interpreter utilization, are associated with pediatric dental care delivery and treatment outcomes, and to assess caregiver perspectives on communication during dental visits.

Methods:

This study follows a quantitative design consisting of a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients seen between October and December of 2025 at a school-based and hospital-based clinic sites (UAB Finn Clinic and Children’s of Alabama Dental Clinic 9), and a bilingual caregiver questionnaire distributed during routine dental visits. Data extraction included demographic variables, insurance status, socioeconomic indicators, medical complexity, appointment adherence metrics, treatment completion, emergency dental utilization, and interpreter documentation. Bivariate analyses and Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate predictors of treatment plan completion and emergency dental care. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively and compared across language and English proficiency groups.

Results:

A total of 312 patients were included in the chart review. Treatment completion and emergency treatment outcomes differed significantly across interpreter groups (P < .001). Patients who required but did not receive interpreter services had lower odds of treatment completion (OR = 0.21) and higher odds of emergency treatment (OR = 8.61). No significant differences were observed between patients who did not require an interpreter and those who received interpreter services. Missed appointments were significantly higher among patients without interpreter support (P < .001). Interpreter access remained a significant predictor after adjustment for medical complexity and missed appointments, while socioeconomic status was not associated with outcomes.
A total of 84 caregiver surveys were analyzed, with the majority reporting limited English proficiency. Phone interpreters were the most commonly used communication method, while caregivers demonstrated a strong preference for Spanish-speaking staff for both clinical communication and scheduling.

Conclusions:

Unmet communication needs, rather than language or socioeconomic status alone, are associated with poorer pediatric dental outcomes. Aligning communication strategies with caregiver preferences may improve care delivery and reduce disparities in pediatric dentistry.