Clinical Program Coordinator/RDH University of Florida Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science Department
Disclosure(s):
Susan A. Gorman, MS Ed., RDH: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: Childhood dental caries remain a significant public health concern, especially in underserved communities. In these areas, children exhibit the highest prevalence of dental caries at 57.1% and the lowest rates of regular dental visits at 28%. Parents play a crucial role in preventing dental caries by understanding risk factors and adopting preventive practices. However, there is limited knowledge about parental oral health awareness in specific rural communities. This study investigates the relationship between parental oral health knowledge and the dental caries experience among schoolchildren living in a rural migrant farm community in Immokalee, Florida who visited a community-based dental outreach center. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 through June 2024 to measure the impact of the implemented education component within the program. During the child’s initial visit to the center, a survey was administered to parents who consented to participate in the study and was re-administered during follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months to track any changes or developments. The survey consisted of eight questions assessing the parents’ level of education, time residing in the United States, dietary habits, oral hygiene routines, fluoride exposure, and awareness of early signs of dental decay. The findings from this study aim to create more effective and culturally sensitive dental health education programs and prevention strategies by addressing the unique needs and challenges of the families residing in this migrant farm community in Immokalee, Florida.
Source of
Funding: : Naples Children and Education Foundation
