Professional Baseball Players’ Knowledge and Attitudes about the Dental Screening Component of Spring Training Physicals

Abstract

Objectives: Professional athletes have a high prevalence of dental pathology, a low rate of routine dental visits, and a poor understanding of how these factors can affect athletic performance. The purpose of this study is to assess perceptions and behaviors of professional baseball players, specifically minor league professional baseball players (MLPB), in taking care of their oral health. Methods: Spring Training physicals were performed for MLPB players; a dental screening examination component was included. Following the dental screening, each MLPB player was asked to complete a 9-question survey anonymously and voluntarily. These questions included: (1) demographics, (2) attitude/history regarding dental exams and cleanings, and (3) the player’s perception of the dental screening program. An oral health prevention component was also incorporated, in which MLPB players were given plaque disclosing tablets, educated verbally and provided a written explanation on their purpose and usage. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 80 MLPB players received dental screening examinations and 42 completed the survey. Players completing the survey were equally represented between Hispanic and non-Hispanic. A significant relationship existed between whether the spring training physical was the main dentist visit and the length of time since last dental exam. Whether the spring training physical was the main dentist visit was also significantly associated with the length of time since last dental cleaning. A significant relationship existed between Hispanic players and Non-Hispanic players as to a belief that preventive education was a beneficial part of the pre-participation dental screening examination. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between Hispanic players and Non-Hispanic players as to having received dental disclosing tablets for take home use (a preventive measure) following a pre-participation dental screening examination. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that oral health professionals and professional baseball organizations should consider implementing practices whereby they can modify perceptions and activities that contribute to good oral health, especially among Hispanic minor league professional baseball players. One sentence summary: Oral disease prevention education is important for professional athletes, especially among Hispanic minor league professional baseball players.