A Survey of Attitudes and Training of Pediatric Dentistry Residents and Faculty in the United States Regarding the LGBTQ Patient Population.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and training of pediatric dental residents and faculty on the management of patients who belong to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included a 16-item questionnaire to assess the attitudes and training regarding the LGBTQ population, separately for pediatric dental residents and faculty across the United States. Statistical significance was set at the level of five percent, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Fisher's exact tests. Results: In total, 132 residents and 40 faculty members completed the survey (response rates equal 14.4 percent and 16.9 percent, respectively). Residents were significantly more likely to respond that requiring LGBTQ training should be in the curriculum and that they have acquired skills to provide equal service to both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ patients and families (faculty equals 35 percent, residents equals 57.6 percent; P<0.001). Residents were significantly more likely than faculty to respond that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry should publish an exclusive policy statement regarding LGBTQ oral health disparities (faculty equals 40 percent, residents equal 62.1 percent; P=0.01). Conclusions: The resident and faculty of pediatric dentistry programs in the United States have adequate awareness of managing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients in the dental office and are willing to treat these patients, and most respondents have an interest in further education.