Social Determinants of Participation in a Home Visitation Fluoride Varnish Program

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the social determinants of CHIP (Child Health Investment Partnership) of Roanoke Valley children who participated in the preventive oral health program compared to those who did not. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of children (n=2,425) enrolled in CHIP of Roanoke Valley from September 2008-September 2014. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare age, gender, race, locality, parents’ education level, age at enrollment, and length of enrollment for oral health program participants versus those who did not participate. Results: Children who were Hispanic as well as children who enrolled in CHIP at an earlier age were more likely to enroll in the oral health program. Conclusions: By focusing on enrolling children at earlier ages, there is the potential to increase the use of dental care to match the recommended periodicity of dental care for young children