Children Most in Need of Dental Care Less Likely to Participate in School-Based Prevention Programs

Follow Drugslib on

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com

via HealthDay

TUESDAY, April 14, 2026 -- Children who do not go to the dentist are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs (SCPPs), according to a study published online April 9 in JAMA Network Open.

Shulamite S. Huang, Ph.D., from the New York University College of Dentistry in New York City, and colleagues examined whether children with prior dental care utilization are more likely than children without prior utilization to participate in SCPPs. The analysis included data from 63,217 children (62,187 nonparticipants and 1,030 participants), with SCPPs implemented in 47 primary schools.

The researchers found that compared with any dental visits, having no dental visits prior to SCPP implementation was associated with lower odds of participating (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83). Having no dental emergencies was associated with increased odds of participating (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32) compared with having any dental emergencies. A statewide SCPP rollout could save an estimated $2.4 million in nontraumatic dental-related emergency department visits.

"This has staggering implications for Medicaid costs," Huang said in a statement. "As New York expands access to school-based dental care, improving recruitment strategies and reorienting outreach to high-risk children could save the state millions and offset some of the costs of expanding care."

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2026-04-15 02:08

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords