Title

The Impact of a Home Visiting Program on Children’s Utilization of Dental Services

Date

2013

Author(s)

Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, Robin R. Haldiman, and Bhanu Evani

Brief Type

Journal Publication

Model(s)

  • Other Models

Description

BACKGROUND: Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke Valley is a home visiting program that promotes children’s health and family self-sufficiency. CHIP’s Begin With a Grin program provides preventive dental services in the home (oral health anticipatory guidance and fluoride varnish) for children aged 0 to 6 years. The purpose of this study was to compare the dental utilization of Medicaid-enrolled children in CHIP versus Medicaid-enrolled children not in CHIP. METHODS: Using the propensity score method, control subjects were selected from the statewide Medicaid database by using a caliper matching algorithm. A vector of chosen covariates was used to match control subjects; these covariates included risk factors, estimated propensity score, age, race, gender, and days of Medicaid eligibility. Propensity scores were developed by using a logistic regression. Differences in dental utilization outcomes were tested: $1 dental claim (logistic regression) and number of dental claims (Poisson regression) for each subject within the test period. RESULTS: When CHIP children were compared with Medicaid-only children, the CHIP child was 3 times more likely to have at least 1 dental visit (odds ratio: 3.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.9–4.7]) and have a higher number of dental claims (ratio of estimated average number of dental claims [cases/control]: 8.60/3.05 = 2.82 [95% confidence interval: 2.56–3.12]). CONCLUSIONS: A home visiting model can introduce children and their families to dental prevention, improve dental health literacy, establish a dental home, and provide application of fluoride varnish. (author abstract)

Data Collection Methods

  • Program administrative record reviews

Status

Finished

For More Information

Brickhouse, T. H., Haldiman, R. R., and Evani, B. (2013). The impact of a home visiting program on children’s utilization of dental services. Pediatrics, 132, S147–S152.
doi:10.1542/peds.2013-1021N
Author Contact Information:
Tegwyn H. Brickhouse
thbrickhouse@vcu.edu

Topics

  • Participant, Family, and Program Outcomes
  • Program Enhancements, Innovations, and Promising Approaches