Ohio Dentists' Perceptions on Children School Absenteeism for Dental Care Appointments

Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge, practices, and beliefs of Ohio dentists treating school-aged children regarding school absenteeism in relation to compliance with dental appointments. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was distributed to 7,274 dentists licensed in the state of Ohio in 2019. Eligible participants were pediatric dentists (PDs) and general dentists (GDs) who treated individuals younger than 16 years of age. Results: A return rate of 13.5 percent (958 total participants) provided a sample consisting of approximately 90 percent of GDs, a mean age of 48.5 years and primarily practicing in suburban locations. Respondents felt parental attitudes had changed over the past five years, with a significantly higher proportion of PDs reporting increased parental concerns about school absences than GDs (59.5 percent versus 31.5 percent; P<0.001). Length of excused absence increased with treatment complexity. PDs were more likely to permit longer absences than GDs and to allow parents to decide the length of absence, particularly for children with special health care needs. PDs were 6.6 times more likely to report that concerns about school absences often negatively affected oral health (P<0.001). Conclusion: Dentists acknowledged that school absences and school policy affected parental choices regarding dental visits, with PDs consistently stating a greater effect than GDs.