Unmet Dental Needs in Children Following Suspension of School-Based Oral Health Services Due to COVID-19
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| Title: | Unmet Dental Needs in Children Following Suspension of School-Based Oral Health Services Due to COVID-19 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ryan R. Ruff (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2024 94(5):427-432. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Children, Dental Health, Access to Health Care, COVID-19, Pandemics, Disadvantaged Youth, Dental Evaluation, Health Education |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.13433 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | Background: Dental caries (tooth decay) is the world's most prevalent noncommunicable disease and can lead to pain, infection, and edentulism. Many children with caries lack access to traditional dental services. School-based caries prevention can increase access to care and reduce health inequities. Disruptions in school-based care due to pandemic control policies may result in children losing access to their primary dental care option. Methods: The CariedAway project was a school-based caries prevention program in operation from 2019 to 2023 in urban schools with a high proportion of low-income, minority students. Program operations were suspended for 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated the prevalence of untreated decay, swelling, fistula, and pulpal involvement in participants at baseline and again after restrictions were lifted. Results: A total of 2998 children between the ages of 5 and 13 years were enrolled and received preventive care prior to pandemic shutdowns, and 1398 (47%) completed a follow-up observation after 2 years. At baseline, approximately 30% had untreated caries on any dentition, 11% of children presented with evidence of dental sealants, and no participants had swelling, fistula, or pulpal involvement. After 24 months, 12% of participants had swelling fistula, or pulpal involvement that was not treated during the pandemic period. Conclusion: There are considerable unmet dental needs in high-risk children that may be further exacerbated by a lack of access to care during disease outbreaks. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1418755 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Dental caries (tooth decay) is the world's most prevalent noncommunicable disease and can lead to pain, infection, and edentulism. Many children with caries lack access to traditional dental services. School-based caries prevention can increase access to care and reduce health inequities. Disruptions in school-based care due to pandemic control policies may result in children losing access to their primary dental care option. Methods: The CariedAway project was a school-based caries prevention program in operation from 2019 to 2023 in urban schools with a high proportion of low-income, minority students. Program operations were suspended for 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated the prevalence of untreated decay, swelling, fistula, and pulpal involvement in participants at baseline and again after restrictions were lifted. Results: A total of 2998 children between the ages of 5 and 13 years were enrolled and received preventive care prior to pandemic shutdowns, and 1398 (47%) completed a follow-up observation after 2 years. At baseline, approximately 30% had untreated caries on any dentition, 11% of children presented with evidence of dental sealants, and no participants had swelling, fistula, or pulpal involvement. After 24 months, 12% of participants had swelling fistula, or pulpal involvement that was not treated during the pandemic period. Conclusion: There are considerable unmet dental needs in high-risk children that may be further exacerbated by a lack of access to care during disease outbreaks. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.13433 |
