Association between dental exams and diagnosis of head and neck cancer

Abstract

To examine the relationship between time since the most recent dental exam and diagnosis of head and neck cancer. This study analyzed data from the 2019 and 2020 National Health Interview Survey, which is a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized adults in the United States. These two years of data yielded a total sample of 7924 adults. Analyses were conducted using a chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. The primary independent variable was time since last dental exam and the outcome was diagnosis of head and neck cancer. After adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates, those who had not seen a dentist within 10 years had a 2.1 times significantly higher odds for diagnosis of head and neck cancer compared to those who had seen a dentist within 1 year (adjusted odds ratio: 2.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–3.75, p < .05). There was a significant association between time since last dental exam and diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Dental professionals can help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with head and neck cancer by promoting primary dental preventative care, performing biopsies of suspicious lesions, and facilitating referrals to head and neck specialists. • Dental visits beyond 10 years significantly predicted head and neck cancer. • Physician visits beyond 10 years significantly predicted head and neck cancer. • Lack of dental insurance significantly predicted report of head and neck cancer. • History of cigarette use and males had an increased odds of head and neck cancer.