Running head: ANNOTATED BIBLOPGRAHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE

INCIDENCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE

POPULATION 1

Annotated Bibliography: Nursing Strategies to Reduce the Incidence of Early Childhood Caries

in Culturally Diverse Populations

Yasmin Gonzalez

Old Dominion University

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 2

Hallas, D., Fernandez, J., Lim, L., & Carobene, M. (2011). Nursing strategies to reduce the

incidence of early childhood caries in culturally diverse populations. Journal of Pediatric

Nursing, 26, 248-256.

The purpose of Hallas et al (2011) research study was to identify risk factors and

preventative strategies for early childhood caries (ECC), and to focus on the nurse’s role in

preventing this disease process. Pediatric nurses are in the best position to positively influence

change in this current epidemic of ECC by educating parents about oral health care with routine

anticipatory guidance. For example, early counseling of new mothers in the primary prevention

of eating patterns and healthy food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay.

Heavy sugar consumption has been associated with ECC because, “the acid as a by-product of

bacterial metabolism of sugars dissolves the tooth enamel and creates cavities” (Hallas et al,

2011.) To further reduce the growing prevalence of early childhood caries, oral health screenings

should be conducted in children as early as 12 months old. In addition to preforming a caries risk

assessment and screening, the nurse should also “assess the beliefs of the parents concerning oral

health and provide information about access to dental care” (Hallas et al, 2011.) Parents who do

not have routine dental care for themselves are increasing the incidence of ECC for their infant.

Nevertheless, with the eruption of the infant’s first tooth, it’s crucial for the pediatric nurse to

remind and reinforce oral health education and establishing a dental home.

The nursing interventions in Hallas et al (2011) research study are shaped by Leininger’s

theory of cultural care. According to this theory, “nurses must incorporate culturally sensitive

values in their discussions with parents about the benefit of oral health care” (Hallas et all, 2011.)

Furthermore, this theory recognizes that a poor oral health status that includes decayed teeth in
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 3

some cultures is not viewed as a stage of illness in another. Thus, dental care is not valued as a

priority for the overall health and wellness within some cultural practices. With that being said,

“the current epidemic of ECC will not successfully alter until health care professionals design

care to overcome these cultural barriers” (Hallas et all, 2011.) As a result, I learned that nurses

play a vital role in identifying at risk children for caries, and must be able to collaborate with

other health care professions for making affective interventions. Additionally, I learned that good

oral heath during pregnancy with proper nutrition and vitamin supplementation supports the

growth of healthy primary dentition, further decreasing the chance of a child having dental

caries. In turn, this research study gave me a new insight into my own nursing practice for

helping parents from diverse cultural backgrounds establish a dental home. In order to improve

the well-being of children, it’s important that I educate these parents on oral health to control any

risk factors before tooth decay occurs.

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 4

References

Hallas, D., Fernandez, J., Lim, L., & Carobene, M. (2011). Nursing strategies to reduce the

incidence of early childhood caries in culturally diverse populations. Journal of Pediatric

Nursing, 26, 248-256.

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 5

Honor Code

I, Yasmin Gonzalez, pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will

refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or

plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community it is my

responsibility to turn in all suspected violations of the Honor Code. I will report to a

hearing if summoned.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 6

Grading Rubric

Article Summary
Paragraph 1
Criteria Possible Comments Points Earned
Points
Description of the 10
author’s ideas or
propositions.
Identification of the
purpose of the
article
Main topics and 10
points are clear and
concisely identified
and described
Evaluative evaluation
Paragraph 2
Criteria Possible Comments Points Earned
Points
Analysis of your 20
thoughts on
recommendation of
this article to your
peers.
Description of how 20
well the article
applies the theory to
current nursing
practice.
Summarized 20
analysis of personal
learning that
occurred from the
article review.
Professional Writing Components
Grammar, spelling, 10
and sentence
structure
APA Format, 10
including title page
and running head.
Instructor: Grade:
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE

OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION 7