Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

Summer 2016

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

Source ISSN

0022-4006

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12140

Abstract

Objectives

Home visiting programs promote the education and health of Early Head Start (EHS) children and pregnant women. However, EHS's oral health component is unevenly implemented. We conducted an educational intervention to improve oral health knowledge and motivational interviewing techniques among Wisconsin EHS home visitors.

Methods

A questionnaire assessing oral health-related knowledge and confidence was administered to home visitors before and after an educational session. Changes between pre/post-responses were analyzed with McNemar's test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.

Results

After the intervention there were increases in both knowledge and confidence related to oral health communication. Knowledge increases were observed in such topics as fluoridation, dental caries, and caregivers’ role in assisting and supervising children's tooth brushing.

Conclusions

A brief educational intervention was associated with increased home visitor knowledge and confidence in communicating oral health messages to EHS caregivers and pregnant women.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, Vol. 76, No. 3 (Summer 2016): 167-170. DOI. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Used with permission.

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Dentistry Commons

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