Order #: 14649

Authors:

Allen, J.L., Kline, S.M.

Title:

"Got Milk?" Responding to Pediatric Dental Injuries of Homeless Children.

Source:

Homeless Health Care Reports: Sharing Practice-Based Experience 1(1): June, 2005. (Case Report: 5 Pages)

Abstract:

This case report discusses how Health Care for the Homeless projects can prepare to respond to pediatric dental emergencies. Advertisements declare that milk builds strong bones and teeth for children, but it also can be a critical solution during a dental emergency. Dental trauma is extremely common among children. One-third of five-year-olds have suffered injury to their primary teeth and one-fourth of 12-year-olds have suffered injury to their permanent teeth. Knowing the right response at the right time can save a child's smile and self-esteem (authors). Available From: Health Care for the Homeless Clinician's Network, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, P.O. Box 60427, Nashville, TN 37206, (615) 226-2292, www.nhchc.org/Clinicians/CA07CaseReportGotMilk.pdf

Order #: 15332

Authors:

Campbell, D., Pollick, H.F., Lituri, K.M., Horowitz, A.M., Brown, J., Janssen, J.A., Yoder, K., Garcia, R.I., Deinard, A., Hemphill, S., de la Torre, M.A., Shrestha, B., Vargas, C.M.

Title:

Improving the Oral Health of Alaska Natives.

Source:

American Journal of Public Health 95(11): 1880-1881, 2005. (Journal Article: 2 Pages)

Abstract:

Order #: 14672

Authors:

Kelly, S.E., Binkley, C.J., Neace, W.P., Gale, B.S.

Title:

Barriers to Care-Seeking for Children’s Oral Health Among Low-Income Caregivers.

Source:

American Journal of Public Health 95(8): 1345-1351, 2005. (Journal Article: 7 Pages)

Abstract:

This study identified psychosocial, structural, and cultural barriers to seeking dental care among nonutilizing caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled children.  Medicaid utilization records were used to identify utilizing and nonutilizing African American and White caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled children in Jefferson County, KY.  Eight focus groups were conducted with a stratified random sample of responding caregivers; transcripts were qualitatively analyzed.  Psychosocial factors associated with utilization included oral health beliefs, norms of caregiver responsibility, and positive caregiver dental experiences.  Utilizing groups reported higher education; health beliefs included identifying oral health with overall health and professional preventive dental care with caregiver responsibility for children’s overall health.  These beliefs may mediate shared structural barriers, including transportation, school absence policies, discriminatory treatment, and difficulty locating providers who accept Medicaid.  Expectation of poor oral health among some low-income caregivers was among factors identified with nonutilization.  Disadvantaged caregivers reported multiple barriers to accessing dental care for their children.  Providers, Medicaid administrators, and schools must coordinate steps to encourage caregiver-controlled dental care, build trust, and link professional preventive dental care with caregiver responsibility for children’s overall health (authors). 

Order #: 14670

Authors:

Kenney, G.M., McFeeters, J.R., Yee, J.Y.

Title:

Preventive Dental Care and Unmet Dental Needs Among Low-Income Children.

Source:

American Journal of Public Health 95(8): 1360-1366, 2005. (Journal Article: 7 Pages)

Abstract:

This study examined the ways in which levels of preventive dental care and unmet dental needs varied among subgroups of low-income children.  Data were drawn from the 2002 National Survey of America’s Families.  Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, including logistic regression analyses, to assess relationships between socioeconomic, demographic, and health factors and receipt of preventive dental care and unmet dental needs.  More than half of low-income children without health insurance had no preventive dental care visits.  Levels of unmet dental needs among low-income children who had private health insurance coverage but no dental benefits were similar to those among uninsured children.  Children of parents whose mental health was rated as poor were twice as likely to have unmet dental needs as other children.  Additional progress towards improving the dental health of low-income children depends on identifying and responding to factors limiting both the demand for and the supply of dental services. In particular, it appears that expanding access to dental benefits is the key to improving the oral health of this population (authors). 

Order #: 14671

Authors:

Nash, D.A., Nagel, R.J

Title:

Confronting Oral Health Disparities Among American Indian/Alaska Native Children: The Pediatric Oral Health Therapist.

Source:

American Journal of Public Health 95(8): 1325-1329, 2005. (Journal Article: 5 Pages)

Abstract:

This article discusses the development and deployment of a new allied oral health professional, a pediatric oral health therapist.  This kind of practitioner can effectively extend the ability of dentists to provide for children not receiving care and help to confront the significant oral health disparities existing in American Indian and Alaska Native children.  Resolving oral health disparities and ensuring access to oral health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives is a moral issue- one of social justice (authors). 

Order #: 15112

Authors:

National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

Title:

Waiting for Care: The Availability of Health Services for Homeless Persons.

Source:

Nashville, TN: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, 2005. (Report: 12 Pages)

Abstract:

In February 2006, thirty-three Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) projects completed a survey by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council addressing their capacity to respond to the primary care, behavioral health and dental care needs of homeless persons in their communities.  The survey revealed a robust program that provides primary care, mental health and substance use, and dental services to a majority of the homeless persons who request them.  However, on a national basis, homeless persons are denied services every day due to lack of capacity, and waiting for services is common. When homeless persons are referred to other health care providers for substance use and mental health services, waiting times are significant (four to six weeks) and needed services are often not received. Delays in obtaining dental care are longer still (seven to twelve weeks). Few HCH clients are successfully placed into housing, and the average wait for those who qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers is 21 months (authors). Available From: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, P.O. Box 60427, Nashville, TN 37206, (615) 226-2292, council@nhchc.org, www.nhchc.org.

Order #: 14579

Authors:

Rhee Kim, Y.O.

Title:

Reducing Disparities in Dental Care for Low-Income Children.

Source:

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 16(3): 431-443, 2005. (Journal Article: 13 Pages)

Abstract:

This study examined the influences of socio-demographic factors, mother’s attitudes, financial barriers, and the health care delivery system on the use of dental services for 4-8 year old Hispanic children.  Initiating dental care during preschool years was significantly related to the mothers’ beliefs and her social network’s beliefs in the value of preventive dental care.  The mother was almost four times more likely to continue the care if she believed that dentist visits would keep the child’s teeth healthy.  Extended clinic hours in the evenings also increased the likelihood of the mother’s return to the dentist to continue the child’s care.  It was not the mother’s attitudes but provider availability, dental insurance (including Medicaid) and family income that were related to frequency of planned visits.  The study findings can be used in improving access to care and reducing barriers for low-income, urban Hispanic children (authors).