CDA Essentials 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 2

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Supporting Your Practice
29 Issue 2 | 2017 |
The following is based on an Applied Research article originally
published on —CDA’s online, open access scholarly
publication that features articles indexed in Medline, Journal
Citation Reports and Science Citation Index.
Research Summary
Manitoba Dental Association’s Free First Visit Program
Dentists’ Perspectives
In 2010, the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) implemented the Free First Visit (FFV) program
to provide access to dental screenings for children under 3 years of age and promote the concept
of the age 1 dental visit. Today, several professional organizations, including the Canadian
Dental Association, recommend an early dental visit within 6 months of first tooth eruption or by
12 months of age.4,5 In this article, we report on dentists’ views of the program.
The establishment of a dental home in infancy is important to set the foundation for good
oral health during childhood. Early assessment, preventive care and anticipatory guidance
can protect primary teeth by decreasing exposure to cariogenic factors and instill good oral
health habits. Furthermore, children whose first dental visit occurs by the recommended
1 year of age have lower rates of restorative and emergency treatment over childhood
compared with children do not visit a dentist until 2–3 years of age.6,7 Evidence suggests
that early preventive dental visits can reduce the need for restorative and emergency care,
therefore reducing dental-related costs among high-risk children. 7
Unfortunately, early dental visits are still uncommon for children in Canada.9 A past
survey of Manitoba dentists showed that only 58% were aware of the first visit by age 1
recommendation. In addition, fewer than half of respondents saw children younger than
12 months.10
In April 2010, the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) implemented the Free First Visit (FFV)
program as a 3-year pilot project.11,12 This program provides access to free dental screening
for children under 3 years of age. During an FFV, children are given the opportunity to
become comfortable with the dentist and have their teeth checked. Parents may receive
information on caring for their children’s teeth and discuss future dental treatments if
needed. Approximately 235 general and pediatric dentists reported that they participated in
the program.11
The purpose of this study was to determine dentists’ views of the FFV program.
Methods
We relied on qualitative methods, namely focus groups, to elicit the views of dentists on the
FFV program. Participating and non-participating Manitoba dentists were invited to take part.
Results
Three focus groups and 1 pilot interview were conducted with 30 dentists. Of the focus
group participants, half practised in urban areas, one-third in rural areas and 15% in northern
Robert J. Schroth
DMD,MSc,PhD
Katelyn Guenther
BA,BN
Stephanie
Ndayisenga
BN
Gail Marchessault
PhD
Sarah Prowse
BAKin
Khalida Hai-Santiago
DMD
Jeanette M. Edwards
BOT,MHA
Michael E.K.Moffatt
MD,MSc,FRCP(C)
Manitoba Dental
Association
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Full article and
references available at
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