Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are a significant workforce in primary care and are uniquely positioned to improve oral health in children through ongoing surveillance in the well-child visit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PNP student satisfaction and knowledge gained with the integration of the Strategic Partnership for Interprofessional Collaborative Education in Pediatric Dentistry (SPICE-PD) oral health education program into the first-year primary care curriculum. A descriptive, comparative design examined dental test scores across the pre-SPICE-PD (2013-2014; n = 26) and post-SPICE-PD (2015-2020; n = 55) cohorts. An electronic survey was completed (n = 47; 67%), and focus group (n = 12) audio-recordings were analyzed using Atlas.ti 8.0. Chi-square test and independent samples t-test were used to assess differences between groups. The SPICE-PD students reported improved knowledge and skill in clinical practice. Focus group themes were oral health education was beneficial, impact of coronavirus disease 2019, and suggestions for improvement. Mean dental test scores improved pre-and post-SPICE-PD (83 vs. 93; p < .001). The SPICE-PD oral health education improved knowledge and was highly satisfying for students. Pediatric nurse practitioners are ideally positioned to integrate oral health into primary care services, thereby improving access to care and ultimately reducing or mitigating early childhood caries. Evaluation of PNP postgraduation practices in the primary care setting is needed to assess whether improved knowledge results in practice change.

Many interdisciplinary oral health education programs have been implemented for pediatric primary care providers (e.g., pediatric nurse practitioner [PNP]) to raise awareness and gain skills related to the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC). However, no studies have evaluated if these educational programs provided to PNPs during their training resulted in clinical practice behavior changes. A 33-item survey was designed on a web-based platform (Survey Monkey) and distributed to 71 PNP graduates. The survey included demographics, current clinical practice, clinical practice behaviors, and perceived barriers to practice. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the survey items and thematic analyses on the open-ended questions. The survey response rate was 70% (50/71 PNPs). Most practicing PNPs were in acute care or specialty clinics (n = 33; 66%) where oral health was not part of the focused visit. Majority used knowledge learned in assessment and anticipatory guidance skills. However, only 14% of primary care providers were applying fluoride varnish with 10% billing for this procedure. Barriers to application were time, available supplies, COVID protocols, lack of support staff, or not billing due to minimal reimbursement. Many primary care-trained PNPs were practicing in acute or subspecialty areas where prevention of ECC is not viewed as part of their focused visit. Pediatric nurse practitioners working in primary care demonstrated some clinical practice changes. However, areas for improvement are time to perform a risk assessment and application of fluoride varnish, access to these supplies, and standard billing and insurance reimbursement for these preventable services.

Purpose To evaluate the application of knowledge, attitudes, and skills learned in an oral health education program among pediatric dental and medical residents, and pediatric and family nurse practitioners (PNPs and FNPs). Methods A mixed methods study design included a year‐end online survey and focus groups. Eighty participants completed the survey (94%) and seven focus groups were conducted (n = 69) representing each of the four cohorts in 2020–2022. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in survey responses by dental/medical specialty. Focus group audio recordings were analyzed using Atlas.ti.22 to identify common themes. Results The program increased knowledge and skills in oral health core competencies and positive attitudes regarding oral health education. All PNPs (100%) and most pediatric medical residents (94%) and FNPs (91%) strongly agreed/agreed that the oral health program led to an increase in screening for early childhood caries, more confidence in applying fluoride varnish and providing oral health anticipatory guidance during patient visits. Most pediatric medical residents, PNPs and FNPS (98%) strongly agreed/agreed that primary care providers should incorporate oral health into their practice and provide referrals to dental professionals as part of well‐child visits. Conclusions The program improved oral health‐related knowledge, attitudes and skills among dental and medical primary care providers. Future oral health education programs for health care professionals can use this model to help bridge the gap between dental and primary care and ultimately improve access to preventive oral health care for children and families.