Comparison of Mid-Appalachian and National OB/GYNs' Oral Health Education Needs

Continued research suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low birth weight babies. A 1999 Mid-Appalachian (WV and OH) OB/GYN survey revealed a need for more dental information. A broader national study was then completed. Objective: This study compared the surveys of the two groups as it pertained to oral evaluation findings, referrals and consultations with dentists, and interests in current dental-related CE. Methods: Mid-Appalachian and national questionnaires were identical. Questions were matched and compared. Results: Findings (national first; Mid-Appalachian second) indicate no significant difference between OB/GYNs (p>0.05) with no time to perform oral evaluations (48.9{with a confidence interval of ±3.5%}, 46.8±5.6%). Of the OB/GYNs performing oral evaluations, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the groups who always evaluated teeth (37.1±4.8%, 29.9±7.4%) or gingiva(31.0±4.7%, 24.1±7.0%); although the gingival evaluations tended toward significance (p=0.06). Mid-Appalachian OB/GYNs performing oral evaluations did significantly fewer posterior pharyngeal evaluations every time (56.1±4.96%, 45.9±8.1%). Both surveys had no significant difference in 1-5 referrals to dentists per year (40.7±3.4%, 45.3±5.6%); and 1-5 drug consultations with dentists per year (33.6 ±3.2%, 36.5±5.4%). Both groups exhibited a considerable need for and interest in dental-related CE (73.8 ±3.1%, 77.5±4.7%). Conclusion: Although there was a significant difference with more evaluations of the posterior pharynx done nationally, there was no significant difference between national and Mid-Appalachian OB/GYNs when it came to having no time to perform oral evaluations--both approached 50%. Of the OB/GYNs then performing oral evaluations, only approximately 1/3 nationally and 1/4 in Mid-Appalachia evaluated the gingiva everytime; while only approximately 1/3 nationally and in Mid-Appalachia evaluated the teeth every time. There is a great need for OB/GYNs to perform more, and better oral evaluations nationally and within Mid-Appalachia. Both groups, however, exhibited a considerable need for and interest in dental-related CE.