Does the Texas First Dental Home Program Improve Parental Oral Care Knowledge and Practices?

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Texas Medicaid First Dental Home (FDH) by comparing the oral health knowledge, practices, and opinions of participating vs. non-participating parents.

METHODS: A 29-question survey (English & Spanish) was developed and administered to 165 parents of children under three years old (FDH=49, Non-FDH=116) who visited qualifying Medicaid clinics in Texas.

RESULTS: Mann Whitney U tests showed that FDH parents scored higher on overall knowledge (P=0.001) and practice scores (P<0.001). FDH parents responded correctly more often than non-FDH about the recommended amount of toothpaste for toddlers (P<0.001). More FDH parents knew tap water was a potential source of fluoride (P<0.001). The FDH parents scored marginally higher about when a child should have the first dental visit (P=0.051). More Non-FDH parents let their child go to sleep with a bottle, sippy cup or pacifier (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: FDH visits are having a positive impact on Texas parents by increasing their oral healthcare knowledge and practices. This is the first step towards improving the oral health of children.