306 - Evaluating the Effect of Medical Periodicity Compliance on Dental Visit Compliance

Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine how a) receipt of fluoride varnish at well child visits and b) medical periodicity compliance affect age one dental visit and preventive dental visits by 30 months (PDV) compliance.

Methods: Enrollment and claims data were used from Partners For Kids, a pediatric accountable care organization covering Medicaid-enrolled children living in 47 of 88 counties in Ohio. The main outcomes were having an age one dental visit and the PDV compliance. Medical periodicity compliance (W30) was defined as 6 well child visits before 15 months, and 2 additional visits by 30 months. Outcomes were stratified by whether a child a) received fluoride varnish at a well child visit, and b) was W30 compliant. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were calculated.

Results: Among 17,675 children, 12% received fluoride varnish at a well child visit, and 61.4% were compliant with medical periodicity schedules. Children who received fluoride varnish at a well child visit were significantly more likely to have an age one dental visit (7.3% vs. 2.2%, P < .001). Children who were W30 compliant were significantly more likely to be PDV compliant (17.7% vs 7.2%, P < .0001).

Conclusion:  Medical periodicity compliance was significantly associated with preventive dental visit compliance, but overall use of preventive dental visits was poor. Within our organization, medical professionals play an important role in preventive oral health service delivery through dietary counseling and fluoride varnish application.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A