Physician assistant students supporting the integration of oral health now (passion)

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Authors
Bigler, Elyse
Gliem, Brett
Advisors
Darden, Kimberly
Issue Date
2018-04-27
Type
Abstract
Keywords
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Citation
Bigler, Elyse, Gliem, Brett. 2018.Physician assistant students supporting the integration of oral health now (passion) -- In Proceedings: 14th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 15
Abstract

Oral health is a vital component of preventive medicine. Routine oral health care is associated with decreases in both systemic infection and heart disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children, beginning at six months of age, receive an oral health risk assessment. In Kansas, 91 of 105 counties have dental professional shortages making routine oral health screenings and prevention inaccessible. These "dental deserts" are most prevalent in western Kansas. Oral health exams are underutilized across the nation in primary care facilities. Our research focuses on teaching primary care providers (PCPs) in a rural clinic the importance of oral health screenings and techniques to provide a preventive service of fluoride varnishes to pediatric patients. Wichita State University (WSU) physician assistant (PA) students received interprofessional education from the WSU dental hygiene program on fluoride application technique. A rural pilot site in western Kansas was selected. PA students from WSU taught and orientated the PCPs at the site on incorporating fluoride varnish and oral health screenings into routine well-child exams. Data was tracked through coding and billing for services provided. Before the intervention, zero pediatric oral health screenings were completed and documented at the pilot site. Post intervention, there was an increase in the number of fluoride varnish applications and overall oral health prevention at the pilot site. The study aimed to establish precedence for routine preventative oral health care in rural primary care settings.

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Description
Presented to the 14th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 27, 2018.
Research completed in the Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
GRASP
v. 14
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