Improving oral health behaviors in children undergoing dental surgery
Testing a Multi-behavioral Intervention to Improve Oral Health Behaviors in the Pediatric Dental Surgery Population
This study is all about helping kids from low-income and minority families take better care of their teeth after they've had dental surgery, by teaching their parents how to encourage good brushing habits and cut down on sugar, with support from friendly community health workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139943 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping vulnerable children, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds, improve their oral health behaviors after undergoing dental surgery for severe early childhood caries. The project involves a behavioral parenting intervention called PROTECT, which is delivered by community health workers. Parents will receive support to change their child's tooth brushing habits and reduce sugar intake, starting with an in-person session at the time of surgery followed by phone sessions over six months. The goal is to address the underlying behaviors that contribute to recurring dental issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children who are scheduled for dental surgery due to severe early childhood caries, particularly those from Medicaid-enrolled, low-income, or minoritized backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have severe early childhood caries or are not undergoing dental surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health outcomes for children, reducing the recurrence of dental caries and the need for further surgical interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that behavioral interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in pediatric populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Helen H — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lee, Helen H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.