Co-Director Oral Health Workforce Research Center, Center for Health Workforce Studies, University at Albany, SUNY
Disclosure(s):
Simona Surdu, MD, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract: Objective: To examine associations between access to dental care and self-reported oral health status among patients in HRSA-funded health centers.
Methods: Data from the 2022 Health Center Patients Survey (n=1,920; weighted n=12,171,610 patients who needed dental care in the past year) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable negative binomial regressions stratified by race/ethnicity. These models assessed the relationships between inability or delays in receiving dental care in the past year and self-reported oral health status, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.
Results: In 2022, 31.0% of patients reported fair or poor oral health status. Additionally, 30.5% were unable to access needed dental care, and 31.5% experienced delays. Non-Hispanic White patients unable to access needed dental care had a 2.02-fold higher incident risk ratio (IRR) (95% CI=1.33-3.06) of fair or poor oral health, while those experiencing delays had a 2.15-fold higher risk (95% CI=1.54-3.01) compared to patients with timely access. Patients of other race/ethnicities reporting inability to access dental care had a 5.09-fold higher risk (95% CI=2.18-11.90) of fair or poor oral health. Significantly higher risk of fair or poor oral health was also found among Non-Hispanic Black patients ages 45-64, Hispanic patients below 200% of the federal poverty level, and patients of other race/ethnicities ages 65+.
Conclusions: Delays and lack of access to dental care are associated with fair or poor oral health, particularly among Non-Hispanic White patients and other racial/ethnic groups. Addressing access barriers is crucial for improving oral health outcomes in underserved populations seeking care in the safety-net.
Source of Funding: US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
