ObjectivesLittle is known about the oral health of paediatric oncology patients in the Caribbean. Poor oral health can complicate oncology treatment, negatively affecting a child's health. In children undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, odontogenic infections can progress to life‐threatening sepsis. The aim of this study is to investigate the oral health among children attending an oncology clinic in Trinidad.Material and MethodsSample population included paediatric oncology patients attending a children's hospital in Trinidad. Subsequent to obtaining informed consent, a 14‐item questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers. An intra‐oral examination was undertaken by two dentists to assess soft tissues, gingival health, and dentition status, using visual examination only.ResultsSeventy‐one children and their caregivers participated in the study. The children consisted of both patients warded or attending as outpatients; 53.5% of patients were male and the mean age 6.64 (SD 3.33) years with a range of 1 to 15 years. Gingivitis and mucositis were present among 41.3% and 3% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of visible dental caries was 54.3%. Caries experience (dmft) was 2.28 (SD 3.63), and for those children with some caries experience (dmft > 0), this was 5.59 (SD 3.72). The majority (62.5%) had never visited a dentist. The most common dental treatment needs were dental prophylaxis (98.4%) and restorative treatment (50.8%). Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (39.1%) was the most common malignancy among this sample, and patients were at varying stages of cancer treatment.ConclusionsOral health among this sample of paediatric oncology patients was generally poor, with untreated caries being common, and the majority of children not having had any previous dental care. Preventive dental care for these patients should include oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice, topical fluoride application along with management of carious lesions, and odontogenic infections. This preliminary study highlights the need for closer collaboration between general dental practitioners, paediatric dentists, and paediatric oncology physicians, in caring for these patients.

Paediatricians in Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated positive attitudes toward oral health. However, their knowledge with respect to oral disease prevention including the use of fluoride, and timing of the first dental visit appear to be lacking. Paediatricians may benefit from continuing education with regards to the oral health of children.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate levels of parental satisfaction with dental care at a hospital based pediatric dental clinic.Methods: Cross sectional questionnaire-based survey of 115 parents/guardians of children attending a pediatric dental clinic. Demographic information collected in a self-administered modified version of the Dental Visit Satisfaction Scale questionnaire. Overall level of satisfaction with care measured on a response scale ranging from very satisfied to not satisfied. Parents' opinions regarding specific aspects of the visit also assessed.Results: Majority (82%) of respondents were female. 48.8% were between the ages 31-40. 52% participants had at least secondary school education. 90 % were very satisfied with their child's treatment. Parents were most satisfied with the explanation of their child's problem and perceived level of competency of the dentist.Conclusion: Levels of satisfaction with this service were high and seem to be related primarily to the quality of dentist-patient interaction.

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Background The effects of physiological changes that occur during pregnancy on oral tissues have been well documented. The oral health status, practices, knowledge and periodontal status of pregnant women has not been studied before in Trinidad. The aim of this study is to report that of pregnant women in a maternity hospital in Trinidad.Methods A descriptive oral health survey involving a self-administered questionnaire was undertaken from a convenience sample of pregnant women who attended a maternity hospital in Trinidad. A simple oral health examination took place at the School of Dentistry clinic. Data included education and employment status, medical and dental history, frequency and reason for dental attendance, and the patients’ perceived oral health status, knowledge and practices. Examination included the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and ethical approval was obtained by the University of the West Indies Campus Ethics Committee.Results One hundred and sixty one pregnant women participated and 79.5% were between the ages 26 to 45. Fifty seven per cent attended high school and 58.1% were employed. Nearly 60% rated their oral health as average or good. The majority of women (91.9%) did not attend the dentist routinely. Almost half (46.0%) of the participants said safety concerns with dental treatment during pregnancy would prevent them from seeking care. 54.7% said the cost of dental treatment would act as a barrier to care. The majority had good oral health knowledge for flossing (97.5%) however 37.3% thought that dental care should be avoided during pregnancy unless it was an emergency. Nearly 60% had some form of periodontitis mild (34.2%) or moderate to severe (25.2%). Significant associations found between level of education and brushing, and also between age and smoking, use of mouthwash and BPE.Conclusions Although oral health knowledge in areas of tooth brushing, flossing and need for attending the dentist was good, in other areas there were serious misconceptions such as dental care should be avoided during pregnancy. Understanding oral health needs of pregnant women can guide oral health promotion and delivery of preventive care and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes.