Oral Health of Children in Foster Care

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental disease among children in protective custody (eg, foster care) and associations with foster placement characteristics. We analyzed data from 778 patients ≥12 months of age who received oral health examinations by a pediatrician at a foster care clinic in a large urban setting, including 37 who were additionally examined by a dental resident. Examination findings were classified as routine, in need of urgent referral, or in need of emergent referral. Overall, 53% of children in protective custody had at least 1 abnormal dental finding, most commonly restorations (24%) and caries (22%). Twenty-four percent of patients required an urgent dental referral, of which 92% were due to dental caries. Variables associated with receiving an urgent dental referral included younger age, shorter time in protective custody, and being in a placement other than a group home.

Keywords: Child Protective Services; caries; foster care clinic; oral health; protective custody.