Remote communications for caries prevention counseling among Pediatric Dentists in the United States

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate pediatric dentists’ practices regarding provision of video/telephone outreach for early childhood caries (ECC) prevention counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess interest in expanding remote communications. Methods: Between November 2021 and July 2023, 1639 of 5925 active members of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry were interviewed and recorded (by zoom) about practices and perspectives regarding ECC. Respondents were compared by gender, type of practice, population served, and beliefs in relation to providing video/telephone outreach for ECC prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic and interest in expanding such outreach. Results: Most (80.3 %) did not provide remote communications for ECC prevention counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who did were more likely to be males than females (22.8 % vs 17.9 %), in safety net (versus private) organizations (29.3 % vs 18.4 %). Almost half (44.8 %) expressed interest in expanding remote communications for ECC prevention, with those practicing in public (versus privately) owned settings being more likely to express interest (68.7 % vs 53.3 %). Conclusions: Pediatric dentists can help reduce oral health disparities in young children but only if greater numbers implement prevention counseling to reduce exposure and susceptibility.