Gold Jaana T, Tomar Scott
Department of Public Health, College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, USA.
Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida College of Dentistry, 1329 SW 16th Street, Room 5185, PO BOX 103628, Gainesville, FL, 32610-3628, USA.
J Community Health. 2016 Jun;41(3):612-8. doi: 10.1007/s10900-015-0136-8.
This study was conducted to assess the oral health knowledge, practices and confidence of staff in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) by administering an anonymous self-completed survey to 39 WIC Clinic staff in Northern Florida. The survey instrument was a 28-item questionnaire adapted from previous validated surveys and covered questions on oral health knowledge, confidence and general practices related to oral health. Survey data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The majority of WIC staff is knowledgeable about the role of the caregiver in cleaning the child's teeth and the role of bottle use in dental caries. Only 7 (25 %) of total 28 WIC staff indicated that fluoridated toothpaste could be used for children younger than 2 years of age. Only 18 (64 %) agreed that the cariogenic bacteria could be transmitted from mother to child. Nutritionists reported greater confidence compared to others in oral health tasks. Only 6 (67 %) of the nutritionists reported to counsel caregivers on the importance of regular tooth brushing. Only 4 (44 %) nutritionists reported to refer WIC clients to dental care. These results indicate that WIC staff has a limited knowledge on the age recommendations for the fluoride toothpaste use and on the transmission of the cariogenic bacteria. Many do not provide oral health counseling to caregivers. WIC staff with more education is more likely to discuss oral health issues. WIC staff is in need for oral health training and education to provide oral health counseling for at risk WIC population.
本研究旨在通过对佛罗里达州北部39名妇女、婴儿和儿童特殊补充营养计划（WIC）诊所工作人员进行匿名自填式调查，评估他们的口腔健康知识、实践情况和信心。调查工具是一份28项的问卷，改编自先前经验证的调查，涵盖了关于口腔健康知识、信心以及与口腔健康相关的一般实践的问题。调查数据采用描述性统计进行分析。大多数WIC工作人员了解照顾者在清洁儿童牙齿方面的作用以及奶瓶使用与龋齿的关系。在总共28名WIC工作人员中，只有7人（25%）表示2岁以下儿童可以使用含氟牙膏。只有18人（64%）同意致龋菌可以从母亲传播给孩子。营养学家在口腔健康任务方面比其他人更有信心。只有6名（67%）营养学家报告会就定期刷牙的重要性向照顾者提供咨询。只有4名（44%）营养学家报告会将WIC客户转介至牙科护理。这些结果表明，WIC工作人员在含氟牙膏使用的年龄建议以及致龋菌传播方面的知识有限。许多人没有为照顾者提供口腔健康咨询。受教育程度较高的WIC工作人员更有可能讨论口腔健康问题。WIC工作人员需要接受口腔健康培训和教育，以便为有风险的WIC人群提供口腔健康咨询。
