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The objective of the study was to investigate various aspects of evidence-based dental prophylaxis education in postdoctoral pediatric dentistry training programs in the United States. An anonymous nationwide postal survey of fifty-two postdoctoral pediatric dentistry program directors was conducted in September 2001. The survey had a response rate of 75 percent with all geographic regions of the nation represented and with a preponderance of university-based programs (62 percent). Most of the training programs (74 percent) routinely recommended dental prophylaxis for all recall patients. The proportion of programs that recommended dental prophylaxis for the following indications were: plaque, stain and/or calculus removal--97 percent; caries prevention--59 percent; prior to topical fluoride application--67 percent; prior to sealant application--62 percent; and for behavioral modification--77 percent. Most training programs (77 percent) defined dental prophylaxis as both rubber cup pumice prophylaxis and toothbrush prophylaxis. However, only one-half of the training programs (51 percent) had modified their teaching to substitute toothbrush prophylaxis in lieu of rubber cup pumice prophylaxis. In conclusion, only one half of postdoctoral pediatric dentistry training programs in the United States teach evidence-based practice of dental prophylaxis for recall patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on dental surveys of Connecticut-based dentists, conducted to know their ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates for assessing the acceptable levels of Medicaid payment resulting in increased participation. It further states that both pediatric and general dentists were approached to prepare an index showing their ranking of Medicaid reimbursement rates. It suggests that this index is a useful measure for increasing the dentists' participation level.

The article presents a study to assess the seminal forces causing changes in contemporary pediatric dental practice. The number of pediatric graduate declined by 20 percent from 179 in 1975 to 142 in 1990. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of female pediatric dentists among new practitioners.