Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2014
Publication Title
Journal of Dental Hygiene
Volume
88
Issue
2
Pages
130-140
Abstract
Purpose: This study assessed the oral health knowledge, confidence and practices of Virginia personnel in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Methods: In 2009, 257 WIC personnel were electronically emailed via an investigator-designed 22-item Survey Monkey® questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fishers Exact tests compared personnel demographics and oral health knowledge, confidence and practices at the p≤0.01 and 0.05 significance level.
Results: Response rate was 68%. WIC personnel were knowledgeable about basic oral health concepts. More than half of those reporting were not confident assessing for visual signs of dental decay and do not routinely assess for visual signs of decay. Only 4% of personnel apply fluoride therapy.
Conclusion: Findings support the need for health promotion/disease prevention at WIC.
This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Validate and test assessment instruments/strategies/mechanisms that increase health promotion and disease prevention among diverse populations.
Original Publication Citation
Fuller, L.A., Stull, S.C., Darby, M.L., & Tolle, S.L. (2014). Oral health promotion: Knowledge, confidence, and practices in preventing early-severe childhood caries of Virginia WIC program personnel. Journal of Dental Hygiene 88(2), 130-140.
Repository Citation
Fuller, Lorraine Ann; Stull, Sharon C.; Darby, Michele L.; and Tolle, Susan Lynn, "Oral Health Promotion: Knowledge, Confidence, and Practices in Preventing Early-Severe Childhood Caries of Virginia WIC Program Personnel" (2014). Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications. 16.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/dentalhygiene_fac_pubs/16
Included in
Dental Hygiene Commons, Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Pediatric Dentistry and Pedodontics Commons, Social Welfare Commons