Estimated impact of competing policy recommendations for age of first dental visit.

摘要: Objective. To compare levels of dental utilization and untreated decay among children aged 1 to 3 years that are likely occur under 2 potential guidance policies: (1) pediatricians refer all toddlers dentists for screening (consistent with American Academy Pediatric Dentistry the Dental Association recommendations; DENT), (2) receive training in caries risk assessment, screen toddlers, at-risk Pediatrics PED). Methods. Using decision analysis, we estimated impact PED DENT assuming alternately unlimited capacity Medicaid-insured patients fixed Medicaid capacity. Results With capacity, if were implemented, then is increase from 27% status quo 65% decrease a mean 0.60 surfaces 0.52 per child. If would an 11% 0.47 surfaces, respectively, diagnostic sensitivity specificity both equaled 1; they 13% 0.53 0.76 0.95. DENT, 0.63 because low-risk private-pay crowd out children, whereas PED, still be less than quo. Conclusions. Implementing will most plausible scenarios, switching burden disease limited.