@article {Vamos202, author = {Cheryl A. Vamos and Rocio Quinonez and Anca Gaston and Joyce Sinton}, title = {Addressing Early Preventive Oral Health Care among Young Children: A Pilot Evaluation of the Baby Oral Health Program (bOHP) among Dental Professionals}, volume = {88}, number = {4}, pages = {202--212}, year = {2014}, publisher = {American Dental Hygienists{\textquoteright} Association}, abstract = {Purpose: Many communities lack dental professionals with the knowledge and behavioral skills needed to deliver care to young children (\<3 years). This study aimed to examine the impact of an intervention (the Baby Oral Health Program (bHOP)) on dental providers{\textquoteright} knowledge, values, confidence and practice behaviors regarding preventive oral health care to young children (\<3 years), and assess the feasibility and satisfaction of the bOHP among dental providers in a Canadian community setting. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 24 intervention (4.5 hour workshop, and booster session 1 month following) and 18 control group participants completing pre- and post-surveys. Results: A significant group interaction effect emerged for value and knowledge (p\<0.05), with participants in the intervention group demonstrating significantly higher baseline to post-intervention change scores. No significant group differences were found for confidence and practice behaviors (p\>0.05). Mean scores for perceived workshop usefulness and perceived influence on practice were high. Conclusion: Findings suggest that bOHP is effective in increasing dental professionals{\textquoteright} knowledge and values about the importance of preventive oral health among young children. However, consideration to provider{\textquoteright}s stage of readiness to change and more systems-based approaches to enhancing early oral health interventions should be assessed.}, issn = {1553-0205}, URL = {https://jdh.adha.org/content/88/4/202}, eprint = {https://jdh.adha.org/content/88/4/202.full.pdf}, journal = {American Dental Hygienists{\textquoteright} Association} }