Comparison of nutritional counseling between provider types

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the provision of and attitudes toward nutritional counseling between pediatricians and pediatric dentists. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to 500 US members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. RESULTS: The survey had a response rate of 33% (pediatric dentists=36%; pediatricians=29%). 84% of pediatricians routinely offered nutritional counseling compared to 71% of pediatric dentists. With respect to cariogenic foods, 82% of pediatric dentists and 74% of pediatricians correctly recommended bottle contents, and 33% of pediatric dentists and 19% of pediatricians correctly recommended snacks. 79% of pediatric dentists compared to 69% of pediatricians believed nutritional counseling had at least some effectiveness. Eighty-nine percent of both specialties somewhat or strongly agreed that nutritional counseling was an important aspect of oral health care. CONCLUSIONS: While pediatric dentists made slightly better recommendations than pediatricians regarding cariogenic foods, both provider types demonstrated a need for more education regarding nutritional counseling.