IADR Abstract Archives
Parents’ Satisfaction With Telehealth Connected School-Based Preventive Dental Program
Objectives: To assess parents’ satisfaction with the quality of dental care provided to K-2nd grade children in a telehealth supported school-based preventive dental program.
Methods: Three elementary schools in Oregon were included in a dental screening and prevention program in the school-based setting. Intensive collaboration with schools preceded screening, dental sealants and/or fluoride treatments performed by an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH). Clinical information including intra and extra oral pictures and bitewings (Nomad) was recorded and uploaded to secure cloud based dental record. An offsite supervising dentist reviewed the recorded material for each child and returned diagnosis and treatment plan within 48 hours. Parents completed a satisfaction survey distributed in person or put in child’s take home folder.
Results: Of 142 surveys completed by the parents, 102 (72%) responded that they were very satisfied with the services provided. Fifty (35%) mentioned that their child needed additional dental care, while 50 (35%) reported that their child did not need additional dental care. 117 (82%) of the parents said that if they needed dental care again, they would like it to be provided at school. Major benefits perceived by the parents for getting their child’s dental care at school were convenience (n=117, 83%), less wait time (n=52, 37%), less fear (n=46, 32%) and lower cost (n=35, 25%). 66 (47%) of the parents reported that if their child’s dental care was not done at the school, they would have taken their child to the dentist in a couple of months, 16 (11%) thought that it would be at least 6 months while 4 (3%) thought that they would not be able to take their child to the dentist
Conclusions: Telehealth supported dental care in school-based setting increases access and convenience and satisfy parents. Further studies are needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of this model.
Methods: Three elementary schools in Oregon were included in a dental screening and prevention program in the school-based setting. Intensive collaboration with schools preceded screening, dental sealants and/or fluoride treatments performed by an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH). Clinical information including intra and extra oral pictures and bitewings (Nomad) was recorded and uploaded to secure cloud based dental record. An offsite supervising dentist reviewed the recorded material for each child and returned diagnosis and treatment plan within 48 hours. Parents completed a satisfaction survey distributed in person or put in child’s take home folder.
Results: Of 142 surveys completed by the parents, 102 (72%) responded that they were very satisfied with the services provided. Fifty (35%) mentioned that their child needed additional dental care, while 50 (35%) reported that their child did not need additional dental care. 117 (82%) of the parents said that if they needed dental care again, they would like it to be provided at school. Major benefits perceived by the parents for getting their child’s dental care at school were convenience (n=117, 83%), less wait time (n=52, 37%), less fear (n=46, 32%) and lower cost (n=35, 25%). 66 (47%) of the parents reported that if their child’s dental care was not done at the school, they would have taken their child to the dentist in a couple of months, 16 (11%) thought that it would be at least 6 months while 4 (3%) thought that they would not be able to take their child to the dentist
Conclusions: Telehealth supported dental care in school-based setting increases access and convenience and satisfy parents. Further studies are needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of this model.