# Periodontal maintenance care compliance at federal qualified health clinics: a pilot study on dental staff’ experiences while serving underserved communities

## TL;DR

This pilot study explores how dental staff at health clinics help patients follow periodontal care, focusing on communication and education in underserved communities.

## Contribution

The study highlights the role of dental staff communication and education in improving periodontal care compliance in underserved communities.

## Key findings

- 66% of patients are irregularly compliant with periodontal care.
- Dental staff use education and behavior management tools to improve patient compliance.
- Receptionists find transferring phone calls to providers most effective for non-compliant patients.

## Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the patient compliance at Federal Qualified Health Centers and the dental staff actions and experiences in oral health promotion within underserved communities.

An online survey was distributed through email via the National Network of Oral Health Access, to professional dental staff, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistant, front desk receptionists. Questions covered about management skills on scaling and root planning, knowledge of methods used in periodontal maintenance care recalls, and comprehension of factors that can affect periodontal care compliance. Statistical analysis was done using proportion and frequency.

Subjects responded that 66% of patients are irregular compliant to periodontal care. Dental staff use education in periodontal health (25-38%), and behavior management (50%) tools to instruct patients during scaling and root planning. Conversely, receptionists use education in periodontal disease (50%) among prompt check-in, and financial assistance. All dental staff in FQHC, including receptionists, explain benefits of periodontal care and acknowledge concerns to continue patients' maintenance care recalls. For non-compliant patients, all dental staff used actions as visual education and explanation of consequences of lack of care, and receptionists (66%) responded that transferring phone calls was the most effective tool as patients responded better when contacted by their providers.

In Federal Qualified Health Centers, active communication with patients and knowledge and education in periodontal disease, by dental staff and front desk receptionists have a favorable influence in patients periodontal care compliance.