BACKGROUND: Dental Caries is the most common chronic disease in children in the United States. Dental caries is a completely preventable pathological infection which is exacerbated by poor homecare habits, as well as poor dietary choices. There is a link between children with high rates of dental caries and other forms of neglect. Also, those with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience dental caries as well as other oral and systemic diseases. Studies show that untreated dental caries have a negative outcome on the overall systemic health of the person experiencing an oral infection. In addition, to negative effects on systemic health, studies show that untreated oral disease can negatively affect the sleep habits of a child, the nutrition of a child, as well as lower the child self-confidence which harms their social relationships. The Women’s Infant and Children Program (WIC) offers nutritional and health assistance and education to those who meet income requirements and who are “nutritionally at risk”. The WIC program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and has provided care for over 6 Million women and children each year. Currently, there are limited dental screenings as well as referrals for those in need by an expanded function dental hygienist however, there is not a long-term preventive protocol in place for these families. Also, oral health education is limited.
OBJECTIVE: This study was a quality improvement study that utilized survey information to provide recommendations to the WIC organization as well as the Klamath Basin Oral Health Coalition to create a more effective oral hygiene preventive protocol for families utilizing WIC.
METHODS: The information was collected utilizing a survey, which was provided to the WIC participants and had questions regarding their current oral and overall health habits, their experiences with health education and dentistry, as well as what they feel they would benefit from most regarding education and preventive services. In addition, to the information provided by the participants, observations made during screenings and interactions were used to formulate the most customized recommendation for improvement to the WIC organization and Klamath Basin Oral Health Coalition.
RESULTS: Several themes were identified from these surveys and observations were noted. When surveyed 37.5% of participants viewed losing weight as their main health concerns, even if their child had high levels of decay. Participants felt that assisting their child with hygiene habits was difficult or were not assisting them due to not knowing they needed to. Participants were unsure of what decay looks like in their child's mouth, and some lacked knowledge regarding tooth exposure to cariogenic foods and drinks, as well as the association between decay and extended breastfeeding.
