550 - Parental Awareness and Attitude toward Dental Sealants for Caries Prevention

Parental Awareness and Attitude toward Dental Sealants for Caries Prevention

Oh J, Layvey-Tardalo A, Sullivan O

BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the awareness and attitude toward dental sealant among parents of children receiving treatment at BronxCare pediatric dental clinic.

Method: Questionnaires collected for a quality improvement project were analyzed for demographic information, parental knowledge, and acceptance of dental sealants. The number of missed appointments and history of sealant treatment were also collected.

Results: A total of 390 questionnaires were reviewed. Eight individuals required assistance with the questionnaire. Among the parents accompanying their children to the clinic, 84% were female while 16% were male. Sixty-four had completed only elementary school or had no formal schooling, 177 had graduated from high school and 146 had received college or post graduate education. When asked about dental sealants, 54% were not familiar with them. After reading about the benefits of dental sealants in the questionnaire, 72% approved of the treatment. However, 8% did not want their child to receive dental sealants, and 20% remained uncertain. There was no significant relationship found between sealant awareness or acceptance and demographic factors. Notably, parents who had never missed an appointment exhibited a higher acceptance rate for sealant treatment.

Conclusion: Sealant awareness remains low among the population in the South Bronx. However, when educated about the benefits of sealant, most parents were interested in getting the treatment for their children.

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