JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The universal adoption of mobile technologies by households has created an opportunity to provide families with young children access to high-quality oral health information at the most convenient time and location. Utilizing community agencies (e.g., Head Start and Public Health) that offer parenting education is an effective approach to reach families in low-income households.

Objective:

This study assessed the feasibility of a coordinated oral health prevention intervention program, delivered in-person, as well as an accompanying smartphone application, “BeReadyToSmile.”

Methods:

The BeReadyToSmile program targeted parents of children ages 0 to 6 years attending parenting education classes. Data was collected from 60 parents who had an in-person session, 30 of whom also used the BeReadyToSmile smartphone application. Surveys were administered to assess pediatric oral health knowledge, attitudes towards brushing, brushing intention, brushing efficacy, program satisfaction, and ease of use.

Results:

Significant effects were observed on parent reports of pediatric oral health knowledge, attitudes towards brushing, brushing intention, and toothbrushing efficacy. Out of the 30 parents invited to use the BeReadyToSmile application, 21 completed a post-survey and rated it highly on measures of satisfaction and utilization.

Conclusions:

Families were positive regarding the implementation of BeReadyToSmile, indicating overall feasibility of delivering oral health prevention for low-income households with young children both in-person and via a facilitated smartphone application. Further studies should include a larger and more diverse sample, randomized comparison conditions, and a longer follow-up on outcomes.