A survey of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry membership: infant oral health care.

The AAPD has long held that preventive oral health care instituted during the first year of life results in long-term enhanced oral health status. A 33-item questionnaire addressing membership attitudes regarding infant oral health care was mailed to 1500 active AAPD members in the spring of 1996. The 913 (60.9%) responses were received, and descriptive statistics were obtained. Results suggest that the respondents were representative of the demographics of the AAPD membership. While 72.6% of the respondents agreed with the AAPD policy, only 46.6% practiced the AAPD policy of performing the first oral evaluation at age 12 months or younger. Agreement with the policy and the age at which infant evaluations were recommended were dependent upon the age of the respondent. Younger practitioners were significantly more likely to agree with the policy (85%) and perform evaluations according to the guidelines (66%). The Academy must provide better communication to the established membership regarding the rationale for early visits and how to perform infant evaluation. Nearly 20% of respondents reported that they did not perform infant evaluations, mainly because 1) existing conditions, and not age, should be the reason for seeing these patients (78.4%), and 2) parents don't see the value (64.0%). A variety of responses were given when asked how the AAPD could assist these persons in providing this service to their patients. The most common suggestions were: 1. Educate pediatricians/primary care providers about the value of early dental evaluations, 2. Offer guidelines or a protocol for incorporation of infant evaluations into an office routine, 3. Prepare materials and/or brochures for education of parents, and 4. Organize a public relations promotion demonstrating the value of early examinations.