Testing a Multi-behavioral Intervention to Improve Oral Health Behaviors in the Pediatric Dental Surgery Population

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve oral health behaviors in preschool-aged children who are undergoing dental surgery under general anesthesia due to severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). The study recognizes that many young children, especially those in underserved communities, face recurring oral health problems despite surgery. By focusing on caregivers, the study addresses behavioral factors such as tooth brushing and sugar intake that contribute to caries and its recurrence. The intervention also considers social challenges that affect families' ability to make lasting changes. The study evaluates a 6-month behavioral parenting program called PROTECT, which is delivered by community health workers to caregivers of children scheduled for dental surgery. PROTECT includes 10 sessions that focus on improving tooth brushing habits, reducing added sugar consumption, promoting positive parenting, goal setting, stress management, and problem-solving. The program supports families by connecting them to social services when needed and is compared to usual clinical care, which includes standard education provided around the time of surgery. Participants will be involved in the study for 12 months, starting at the surgical event, with assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Data collected includes caregiver and child questionnaires about oral health behaviors, dietary intake, parenting practices, and clinical dental health indicators. Weekly remote assessments via text messaging will track parental behaviors and barriers. The study monitors adherence to the intervention and measures changes in tooth brushing frequency and sugar intake as primary outcomes, with additional evaluations of parenting and dental health status.

Oral Health Intervention for Caregivers of Children Presenting for Dental Surgery