(P02-059-25) Dental Provider Perceptions and Interests in Food Insecurity Screening in Dental Settings

Objectives: Medical-dental integration (MDI) is a holistic healthcare approach that links physical and dental health. Dental providers are well-positioned to address broader general health concerns by conducting medical screenings during routine dental visits. Nutrition is a protective factor for many health outcomes, making it a valuable target for MDI. The study aimed to assess the current perceptions, behaviors, and barriers among dental providers in Oklahoma regarding food insecurity (FI) screening.

Methods: A theory-driven cross-sectional survey was conducted (08/24) among licensed dental professionals practicing in Oklahoma, recruited via a dental organization. Respondents rated their stage of readiness to discuss FI with their patients (Transtheoretical Model). They also reported their intentions, attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavior control to perform the screening (Theory of Planned Behavior). Open-ended questions captured barriers in advising patients on food insecurity. The analysis included frequencies, chi-square tests, and directed content analysis.

Results: There were 94 responses from dental professionals, predominately dental hygienists. The majority (67.0%) were in the precontemplation stage and not yet considering FI screenings. Despite 62.8% of respondents reporting a positive attitude towards screening and 92.5% interested in receiving training for FI screening, only 19.1% intended to screen. Intention was positively associated with social norms and perceived behavioral control (p < 0.001). Barriers to advising patients on FI included limited knowledge and awareness about FI, lack of confidence in implementing the screening, concerns about patient privacy, and considering the topic as out of scope of dental practice.

Conclusions: Dental providers in Oklahoma reported low readiness for FI screening, but high interest in training. To be effective, continuing education options must be appropriate for the stage of change, address the barriers that have been identified, and be tailored to the unique needs of dental settings. Such trainings stand to improve dental providers’ ability to address FI and related health issues among their patients.

Funding Sources: Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences