180 - Timing of Established Dental Home and Oral Health Outcomes

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate timing of established dental homes at the Holyoke Health Center and its subsequent effect on DMFT at age 6.

Methods: This quality improvement project was conducted by collecting data from the charts of patients at the Holyoke Health Center in Holyoke, Massachusetts between the years of 2011-2023. Patients were divided into groups by age of first dental visit: 0-11, 12-23, 24-35, 36-47, 48-59 months of age. Data analysis was conducted comparing DMFT scores at initial visit and visit at 72-83 months of age.

Results: The results of this QI project revealed that in this population there was a trend toward higher DMFT scores the later the first dental visit occurred. The results revealed that regardless of first visit dental age, the average DMFT at age 6 was not significantly different. The average difference in DMFT between first visit and age 6 was significantly higher in the 12-23 month group. It was also significant that the younger the patient at their first dental visit the less likely they were to follow up with consistent preventive care.

Conclusion: This project provides helpful information regarding the trends related to establishment of a dental home at the Holyoke Health Center and demonstrates that this population may not respond positively toward traditional efforts in this area. There needs to be higher emphasis on regular follow up and oral health education for improved at home care that may reduce dental disease.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: