Hispanic/Latino

Caregivers' Beliefs
and Perceptions of
Early Childhood
Caries
Ariel Castillo
Linsey Malone
Introduction
● The purpose of this topic is to help health professionals
understand why Hispanic/Latino communities are at a
higher rate of developing early childhood caries (ECC) than
other communities.
● Proper education on the topic is necessary for prevention
and treatment.
○ Target audience: Hispanic/Latino communities
○ In need of better access to information.
● We need to assist and understand barriers (language,
finances, access) that may be in place for the patient and
their parents.
○ Lack of understanding on the importance of oral
health and maintenance
○ Funding / insurance
 Survey Questions
● We constructed a short 15 question survey to collect our own data to keep it
local and see our peers, instructors, and families experience with ECC
Survey Data
● 50%: Hispanic

● 38.9%: Causcasion

● 4.2%: African American

● 2.8%: Asian

● 2.8%: Biracial

● 1.4%: Native

American/Eskimo
● Majority of the responses came from the
Hispanic community, which leads to a
large group of people unaware of
proper oral health.
Survey Data ● Prevalent first language is Spanish for
the Hispanics we surveyed.
○ 32% of the participants speak
Spanish as their first language
● Although the child might be able to
speak English, it is a difficult challenge
for a child to act as a translator. All the
technical terms could fly pass their
heads and get lost in the few words
they are able to translate. Language
barriers will and can be present
therefore it gives the parent or patient
a reason not to go to the dental office.
ECC in Hispanic/Latinos Vs. Other Groups
● Of the 73 people who
submitted a survey, 37 did
not receive proper oral
care, and 23 of them are
Hispanic.
● Out of the 36 Hispanics
that submitted a survey,
they all had at least 1
cavity, and had 12 total at
most.
● The other groups ranged
from 0 cavities being the
least, to 6 being the most
in total.
 Who, What, When, & Where

● Like we’ve mentioned, the community affected most with ECC is the

Hispanic/Latino community.

● The child’s oral health and education is affected

● The patients are mostly affected during their childhood, which is an

important time in their lives. Childhood is the starting point to a proper

oral health practice in order to grow into a healthy smile.

● The Hispanic/Latino children affected most by ECC live in the U.S.

Raising awareness of ECC
● How can we the dental hygienist help?
○ Offer a translator to make the parent and
patient feel more comfortable speaking in their
dominant language.
○ Make sure the parent has a basic understanding
of oral health and the importance of it.
○ Have the patient reiterate the topics discussed to
show understanding and assure them that we
need to work together to maintain proper oral
health.
Raising awareness of ECC (Cont)
○ Spread awareness through public service
announcements and seminars at
elementary schools.
■ Children can be sent home with
instructions (english or spanish) and
supplies
■ Parents can be involved and learn
ways to instruct their child
■ A follow up seminar to assure the
information was processed and
understood by the parent and child
 Why is it important in dentistry?

● The topic of ECC is very important in dentistry, and patient education

of this topic is even more essential.

○ Patient education is necessary for treatment and prevention.

● Dental hygienists need an awareness on the situation

○ Main cause for concern is the patient’s lack of education.

○ Early childhood caries can be fully preventable with the right

education.
 Conclusion

● ECC rates in Hispanic/Latino children can be lowered

○ These concerns can be helped through education and

treatment

● Dental hygienists can help

○ Be sure to focus on the patient’s needs

○ Do not forget to provide proper education

● ECC is fully preventable

 Early Childhood Caries