Julie, R Berenblum
Jenna Panek
| Julie, R Berenblum | Jenna Panek |
Julie R Berenblum, Jenna Panek
Deanne Walleart, Joan Gluch, Tatyana Straus
Division of Community Oral Health, Preventive & Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Introduction
This study explored parents’ willingness to receive overall health and nutrition advice from their child’s dental provider. Results were utilized to create an interactive resource that allows interested parents to seek guidance on nutrition and healthy habits.
Methods
Parents in the Pediatric Department at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine were selected at random and asked to participate in a research study focused on their child’s nutrition and overall health and wellness. Those interested scanned a QR code for an electronic questionnaire that assessed their level of comfort when receiving nutritional and overall health advice from their child’s dental provider. The responses of 82 subjects were assessed and relevant data points were analyzed to identify significant correlations and demographic trends. Findings were used to create a user-friendly, interactive website that allows parents to seek meaningful advice and familiarize themselves with nutritional interventions based on their responses to the survey.
Results
Survey results revealed that male parents, parents who are more familiar with their child’s overall health, and parents of overweight children are more comfortable receiving overall health and nutrition advice from their child’s dentist. Nonetheless, it was determined that parent receptiveness to nutrition advice from their child’s dental provider is influenced by a variety of factors. The findings of this study are helpful in guiding nutrition and healthy habit-focused conversations with parents as well as positively impact the future treatment of pediatric patients.
Conclusion
The creation and dispersal of an interactive resource to educate parents on nutrition and healthy choices was well received and found to be very useful.