226 - Uncovering Adolescent Depression Prevalence and Mental Health Integration in Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of depression among adolescent patients at Yale New-Haven Hospital Pediatric Dental Clinic and evaluated the need for enhanced mental health and crisis intervention training among pediatric dental residents.

Methods: Adolescents ages 12-17 were recruited during recall and treatment appointments to complete the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a depression screening tool. A second background questionnaire assessed diagnosed mental health disorders, current mental health provider involvement, and demographic information. A total of assessments. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, stratified by gender, ethnicity, and race. T-tests were used to compare PHQ-9 scores by mental health provider status and depression diagnosis.

Results: In this sample, 43% (n=43) screened positive for depression. Among adolescents with a positive depression screening, 86% (n=37) were not currently seeing a mental health care provider. When stratified by gender, transgender adolescents had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores than male and female participants (F(4, 95) = 4.83, P = .001). No significant differences were found when stratified by race or ethnicity.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in this pediatric dental population is considerably higher than the 2021 NIH national adolescent estimate of 20%. These findings underscore the need for pediatric dental residents to receive targeted training in mental health identification, crisis intervention, and referral pathways as part of their clinical education.

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