Development and Evaluation of a Medical Intervention for Early Childhood Caries

Development and Evaluation of a Medical Intervention for Early Childhood Caries

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three forms of continuing medical education (CME) on provision of preventive dental services to Medicaid-enrolled children by medical personnel in primary care physician offices.

Practice-based, randomized controlled trial. Setting: 1,400 pediatric and family physician practices in North Carolina providing care to an estimated 240,000 Medicaid-eligible children aged 0-3 years. Interventions: Group A practices (n=39) received didactic training and course materials in oral health screening, referral, counseling and application of fluoride varnish. Group B practices (n=41) received the same as Group A and were offered weekly conference calls providing advice and support. Group C practices (n=41) received the same as Group B and were offered in-office visit providing hands-on advice and support. Outcome measures were computed from reimbursement claims submitted to NC Division of Medical Assistance. Primary outcome measure: rate of preventive dental services provision per 100 well-child visits. Secondary outcome measure: % of practices providing 20 or more preventive dental visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pediatric or family physician Medicaid practice in North Carolina

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation in related pilot study