Inquiry

First visits for children

Background

The incidence of early childhood caries (ECC) appears to be increasing, and severe forms can adversely affect both overall health and the child's quality of life. The Canadian Dental Association has recommended that children first visit a dental professional by age 12 months. In 2010 the Manitoba Dental Association implemented the Free First Visit (FFV) program to encourage early visits to the dentist. It provides access to no-cost dental screenings for children up to age 36 months and was

Methods

A survey was mailed to 593 dentists in Manitoba asking about their views on the FFV, their understanding of early childhood oral health, and when the first dental visit should be scheduled. The response rate was 63.2%, yielding 375 surveys eligible for analysis.

Results

Over 68% of the respondents were men, and the average age of respondents was 45.7 years. The surveys indicated that infants accounted for just 2.7% of their practice and preschoolers for 6.8%.

About 65% of respondents were registered in the FFV program, and most agreed the program improved access to care for young children. Ninety percent of them had already examined at least one child as part of the FFV initiative, with the mean number of children seen at 25. Only about 42% indicated they

Discussion

Most of those responding to the survey supported the FFV program and believed it should continue. Barriers to providing care for young children included a lack of parental request for the early first visit, discomfort with poorly behaved and crying children, and the demands on the dentist's time accompanying participation in the FFV program. The results of the program include improved access to dental care for young children and greater awareness of the dental health needs of young children