Transition to Adult Dental Care from a Pediatric Hospital Dental Home for Patients with Special Health Care Needs

Abstract

Purpose: This study describes patients with Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) transitioning from a pediatric hospital dental home to adult care and evaluates effectiveness of current transitions. Methods: Demographics, medical/behavioral complexity, and documentation of transition processes were collected for patients who graduated between 10/01/2018 and 11/30/2019. A survey invitation was mailed to patients/guardians meeting criteria. The survey assessed progress and barriers in transitioning to an adult dental home. Results: Seventy-nine patients graduated; 63 met survey criteria. Twenty-nine surveys were completed. Ninety percent of surveyed patients had established some/all adult medical care, 41% completed a dental visit, but less than 28% established a dental home. Medical/behavioral complexity, payor, and time since graduation did not impact having a visit. Conclusions: This study demonstrates disappointing effectiveness in the transition to adult dental care from a pediatric hospital dental home for patients with SHCN. Medical transition programs may be effective models for dental transition.