Dania Al Agili, DDS, MPH, MS¹, Janet M. Bronstein, PhD¹, and Mary G McIntyre, MD, MPH². (1) School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 330, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, 205-975-8961, dania@uab.edu, (2) Associate Medical Director, Alabama Medicaid Agency, PO Box 5624, 501 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36103-5624

Objectives: This study estimates the percent of Medicaid covered children in Alabama who had any dental visits in the past year and identifies barriers to utilization of dental services from a parent perspective. Methods: We surveyed a random sample of 4500 parents of Medicaid-eligible children aged 3-19 years. Participants came from Medicaid enrollment data stratified by area of residence into large urban, town, and rural groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: The overall response rate was 40% (n=1773). Most respondents (71%) reported their child had a dental visit in the past year. Compared to parents who had a dental visit, those who reported no visits were more likely to be Black, less educated, living in rural or large urban areas of Alabama, have children under 6 or over 12, have children with disabling conditions, and report poor perceived oral health. Respondents with no dental visits were grouped into three categories; those who believed they did not need dental care (45%), those who thought dental care was hard to find (30%), and those who tried but could not get dental care (26%). The first group had significantly less respondents with greater than high school education, more reporting perceived good to excellent oral health, and more living in rural areas, compared to other two groups. Conclusions: Families who do not use Medicaid covered dental services include a group with high perceived need and barriers to care, and a group with little perceived need. Interventions must target both groups.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List three significant factors in access and utilization of dental services among Medicaid-eligible children in Alabama.
• Identify the pediatric population with the highest need for dental health services.
• Develop an intervention to target these families and improve their access and use of dental services.

Keywords: Children and Adolescents, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.