Oral Health Care Utilization Research Articles

Oral Health, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Pregnancy: A Rapid Review of Associations and Implications for Perinatal Care.

Research demonstrates associations between oral health and specific mental health conditions in the general population, yet these relationships remain understudied during pregnancy, despite pregnancy's profound effects on both oral and psychological well-being. Our rapid review examines current evidence on associations between oral health conditions and psychological states (anxiety, depression, and stress) during pregnancy, aiming to inform and strengthen integrated prenatal care strategies. Following PRISMA-RR guidelines, we conducted a systematic search on OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO (January 2000-November 2024) for studies examining relationships between oral health conditions (periodontal disease, dental caries) and psychological status during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Systematic screening of 1201 records yielded 22 eligible studies (13 cross-sectional studies, 3 longitudinal cohort studies, 3 comparative studies, 2 prospective studies, and 1 case-control study). Analysis confirmed significant associations between oral health and psychological well-being during pregnancy through three pathways: psychological (dental anxiety directly limits oral healthcare utilization), behavioral (maternal depression reduces oral health self-efficacy), and physiological (elevated stress biomarkers correlate with periodontal disease, and periodontal therapy is associated with reduced salivary cortisol). These interactions extend intergenerationally, with maternal psychological distress showing significant associations with children's caries risk. Evidence suggests interactions between oral health conditions and psychological states during pregnancy, warranting integrated care approaches. We recommend: (1) implementing combined oral-mental health screening in prenatal care, (2) developing interventions targeting both domains, and (3) establishing care pathways that address these interconnections. This integrated approach could improve both maternal and child health outcomes.

Utilization of Oral Healthcare Among Uninsured Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

Accessibility to dental care is vital for uninsured low-income individuals. There is a deficit of research that examines oral healthcare seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic among uninsured low-income individuals.The purpose of this study is to describe oral health-related issues among patients of a free clinic that does not provide dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consists of 254 patients of a free clinic located in the Intermountain West. Data were collected by distributing self-administered paper surveys to patients 18 or older who spoke English and/or Spanish from December 2021 to May 2022. Nearly 40% of study participants reported being long overdue for dental appointments, with many not receiving care within the past two years (n = 96, 37.8%). Less than 30% of free clinic patients had a dental appointment within the past six months (n = 73, 28.9%). Cost is the most substantial barrier for free clinic patients to receive dental care (n = 150, 60%). This study's findings bridge the research gap on dental care experience during the pandemic among uninsured populations and are helpful in increasing knowledge for improving access to dental care at free clinics.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Behavior of Utilization of Dental and Oral Health Care Among Primary Students

Dental and oral health is an integral part of overall health services. One effort that can be used to improve children's dental and oral health is through self-focused health promotion activities in schools through UKGS. The aim of the research was to determine the factors that influence the behavior of using dental and oral health care among elementary school students in Talok Village, Malang Regency. Observational research design with a cross-sectional approach. The population of all students in Talok, Malang was 145 respondents. The sample was 106 respondents with purposive sampling technique. Independent variables are health center support, school support, parent support, and student knowledge. The dependent variable is beviour of utilization of dental and oral health care among primary students.

Oral health statuses of individuals diagnosed with gastroparesis: A Cross-Section study.

Gastroparesis (GP) is a debilitating gastric motility disorder associated with digestive dysfunction, reduced quality of life (QoL), and increased mortality rates. There is no known cure for GP and treatment options are limited. The oral cavity is responsible for initiating digestion, yet the impact of GP symptom frequency on oral health status and oral healthcare utilization is not well understood. A 21-item electronic survey was developed and disseminated to a private GP social media forum. Survey questions explored GP symptom frequency, oral health status, dental care utilization, and oral health education post GP diagnosis. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysed data. There were 434 study participants. An overwhelming 83% reported GP negatively influenced their oral health and oral function. Significance was observed between GP symptom frequency and oral health status (p = <0.0001). The majority (81%) reported receiving dental care post GP diagnosis, yet (63%) reported current untreated dental concerns. Interestingly, (74%) of participants reported that they have never been educated about oral health risks associated with GP by any healthcare professionals. GP negatively affects oral health. Study participants reported a need for extensive dental treatments and high levels of untreated dental concerns. Results strongly support that preventive oral healthcare and education must be provided for individuals with a GP diagnosis. As leading oral disease prevention specialists, dental hygienists must be aware of the effects of GP on the oral cavity to help provide person-centred evidence-based care, improve digestive processes, and increase QoL for GP sufferers.

Predictors of oral healthcare utilization and satisfaction among Indian migrants and the host population in the Netherlands

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore predictors associated with reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) and satisfaction with OHPs in the Netherlands among the Indian migrants and the host population.MethodsA random sample was obtained for this cross-sectional questionnaire study. Variables were classified according to the Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Services Utilization. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors for reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) (routine checkups and preventive care or visiting only for pain and/or treatment) and satisfaction with OHPs (satisfied or dissatisfied).ResultsThe sample consisted of 391 participants (Indian migrants = 147 and host population = 244). Indian migrants with higher internal locus of control (LoC) [OR = 7.73 (95% CI: 2.13;27.99)], more trust in OHPs [OR = 4.12 (95% CI:1.68;10.14)] and higher integration level [OR = 1.09 (95% CI:1.03;1.17)] had higher odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. In the host population, having dental insurance [OR = 2.64 (95% CI:1.00;6.95)] was significantly associated with increased odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. For satisfaction, Indians with low paid jobs [OR = 16.26 (95% CI:2.83;93.36)] and those with higher integration levels [OR = 1.29 (95% CI:1.16;1.42)] had higher odds of being satisfied with the Dutch OHPs. Among the host population, those with more trust in OHPs [OR = 2.86 (95% CI:1.19;6.88)] had higher odds of being satisfied.ConclusionOur study emphasize that integration levels and trust emerged as two crucial factors, policy makers can leverage upon to improve access to care for Indian migrants.Clinical trialN.A as this is a survey based cross sectional study.

Oral Health Behaviour, Care Utilisation, and Barriers among Students with Disabilities: A Parental Perspective

Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being. However, students with disabilities (SWDs) face unique challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental care. This study aims to explore oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to accessing dental care among SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from the perspectives of their parents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to care. The sample size was determined based on the SWDs population in the region. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics, with significant associations identified at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 45.7% of SWDs brushed irregularly, with only 16.8% brushing twice a day or more. Dental flossing was reported by just 4.3% of SWDs. Emergency-based dental visits were common (51.9%), and 29.5% of SWDs had never visited a dentist. Significant associations were found between maternal education and tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.004) and between parental education and the frequency of dental visits (p = 0.035). The most reported barriers included fear of treatment (47.1%), difficulty finding willing dentists (45.5%), and long wait times for appointments (44.7%). Conclusions: The study emphasises the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve oral hygiene practices and enhance accessibility to dental services for SWDs.

Family-related risk indicators and dental attendance in association with dental caries in preschool children

BackgroundDetermining risk indicators behind dental caries is important for identifying children in need of enhanced dental care. The aim of this register-based study was to investigate the association of family-related risk indicators and dental attendance in the development of dental caries in preschool children.MethodsThe data for this study were collected from the medical records of 206 randomly chosen preschool children who lived in the city of Oulu, Finland, during 2014–2020. Data on challenges in family life, missing appointments and utilization of oral health care were collected. Sum functions were formed of risk indicators. Analyses were carried out for three age groups (1- to 2-, 3- to 4- and 5- to 6-year-olds) born between 2014 and 2018.ResultsThere was a significant association between the number of family-related risk indicators and the prevalence of manifested caries lesions in the age group of 5- to 6-year-olds. All family-related risk indicators and information about health care utilization were associated with dental caries risk. Challenges in a child’s family life were present among 20.3% of the 5- to 6-year-olds. In all age groups, the most common challenges in family life were parental exhaustion and problems in the parents’ relationship or divorce.ConclusionFamily-related risk indicators and dental attendance should be considered when determining caries risk. The caries risk indicators investigated here are associated with each other.

Oral health among refugees and asylum seekers utilizing Médecins du Monde clinics in mainland Greece, 2016–2017

BackgroundThe oral health of refugees and asylum seekers is understudied. However, oral health has important implications for overall health and wellbeing. This study addresses this gap by characterizing oral health care utilization in Médecins du Monde (MdM) clinics across mainland Greece from 2016 – 2017.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to estimate proportional morbidities for caries, extraction, developmental, periodontal disease, preventive, and other oral health outcomes. The association between physical health conditions and consultations of interest – upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and reproductive health consultations – and oral health were compared using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Oral health outcomes between Afghans and Syrians were compared using odds ratios and 95% CIs.ResultsCaries (39.44%) and extractions (28.99%) were highly prevalent in our study population. The utilization of preventive dental consultations (37.10%) was high, particularly among males. Individuals with at least one upper respiratory tract infection (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.30 – 1.77; Or = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.53 – 2.36) and women and girls with reproductive health consultations (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03 – 1.66; OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.49 – 2.76) were more likely to have any dental or caries specific consultations. The observed patterns in oral health needs differed between Afghans and Syrians, with Afghans more likely to have preventive screenings and less likely to have caries, extractions, or other conditions.ConclusionsDisplaced populations utilizing MdM dental clinics had high levels of oral health needs, particularly for caries and extractions. The connection between oral and overall health was seen in the study population, and these findings reinforce the public health importance of oral health for improving health and wellbeing of displaced populations. Evidence-informed policy, practice, and programming inclusive of oral health are needed to address both oral and overall health of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece. Future research should investigate not only oral health care needs but also knowledge and beliefs that inform utilization patterns among displaced populations.

Oral health needs of Wampanoag elders on Martha's Vineyard: A comprehensive assessment.

Evaluate oral health care access and utilisation, while identifying the specific oral health needs of the Native American Elders within the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (WTGH) on Martha's Vineyard Island. Elders, particularly the WTGH face notable issues in obtaining oral health care. This study addressed the oral health gaps within the WTGH Elders through a comprehensive community needs assessment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative concept mapping interviews with stakeholders and tribe members, a quantitative survey was conducted, and deidentified billing codes were analysed. Concept mapping revealed limited availability of services, accessibility and transportation, insurance challenges, lack of a centralised database, tribal/national policy and health-related self-sufficiency. Quantitative data indicated that 65% of Elders faced challenges in accessing oral health care, and 48% reported experiencing an oral health issue in the last 12 months. Additionally, 23% did not receive oral health care during this period, with a significant portion having previously utilised services at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital Oral Health Clinic. Establishing a formal relationship between the WTGH and an academic institution for creating a portable oral health clinic supervised by faculty and developing a structured referral system is essential. This initiative aims to dismantle barriers to oral health care, improve access, and meet the oral health needs among Elders while offering valuable educational experiences for students regarding diverse patient populations and access-to-care factors.

Constraints in Dental Services Utilization Among the Dental Hospital of Jodhpur Region in Rajasthan, India

Abstract Background: There has been a lot of interest in understanding oral health care utilization behavior as it is important for the delivery of effective oral health care. Identifying the barriers to dental services is one of the basic steps to improving the public health. Aim: We aimed to determine the barriers affecting the utilization of dental services in dental institutes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the patients attending the outpatient department of dental institute during the year 2023 among the 364 subjects and the data were collected using a specially designed and pretested questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. Results: It was seen that the majority of the participants agreed that cost (55%) was identified as the most imperative factor affecting dental services followed by the dentist-patient relationship at a statistically significant level (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The foremost barriers to dental care utilization were cost, fear, and organization. However, the policies should be fair and impartial as policymakers, administrators, and insurance organizations play a key role in the health care system.

A theory of oral healthcare decision-making in Appalachia.

People make oral healthcare decisions regardless of having partial information, misinformation, sources that deliberately mislead, or information that is culturally influenced. This is particularly true in the Appalachian culture where oral healthcare decision-making practices are not well understood by researchers and dental professionals. Despite efforts to improve dental care utilization, the Appalachia region remains low in oral healthcare utilization. There is a need for a theory to identify concepts in decision-making when seeking oral healthcare. The theory could be useful in creating oral health interventions. The study objective is to develop a theory to identify concepts that influence oral healthcare decision-making in Appalachia (OHDA). The researchers used a grounded theory qualitative study design to explain data for a theory of OHDA. Participants from Appalachia, in 20-minute interviews, provided insights into concepts that influence OHDA from August 22, 2017 to May 26, 2022. Notes/memos were written during and after the interviews and coding was conducted after the interviews. Open coding categories emerged through constant comparison of responses. Five overarching concepts that embody OHDA were discovered: Affect (Level of Pain/Emotion/Stress involvement), Awareness, Trust/belief, Resources, and Risk Perception. All participants discussed the impact of social media toward these concepts. To influence a person's OHDA, public health officials and researchers need to address the person's affect, level of awareness, trust/belief, available resources, and risk perception. Social media is very important in awareness concerning oral health information. These factors are important to consider for similar research in oral healthcare utilization at the population level.

Impact of income and financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with disabilities in Singapore.

Globally, studies have shown that the dental disease burden among persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is high and can be attributed to lower utilization levels of dental services. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of income and financial subsidies on the utilization of dental care services among persons with IDD in Singapore. Between August 2020 and August 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted via centres offering Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children, special education schools and adult associations in Singapore serving persons with IDD. A sample of 591 caregivers of children and adults with IDD completed the survey. Data on sociodemographic information, oral health behaviours and dental utilization were collected. Financial subsidy status was assessed by the uptake of a government-funded, opt-in Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for low-income families that provided a fixed subsidy amount for dental services in the primary care setting. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariable, multiple logistic regression and modified Poisson regression. Propensity score matching was carried out in R version 4.0.2 to assess the impact of financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with IDD. Compared to those with lower gross monthly household incomes, the adjusted prevalence ratios of having at least one dental visit in the past year, having at least one preventive dental visit in the past year, and visiting the dentist at least once a year for persons with IDD with gross monthly household incomes of above SGD$4000 were 1.28 (95% CI 1.08-1.52), 1.48 (95% CI 1.14-1.92) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.09-1.70), respectively. Among those who were eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies (247 participants), 160 (62.0%) took up the CHAS Blue scheme and 96 (35.4%) visited the dentist at least yearly. There was no statistically significant difference in the utilization of dental services among individuals enrolled in the CHAS Blue subsidy scheme among those eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies. Higher household income was associated with a higher prevalence of dental visits in the past year, preventive dental visits in the past year, and at least yearly dental visits. CHAS Blue subsidies alone had limited impact on dental utilization among persons with IDD who were eligible for subsidies.

Assessing the role of dental insurance in oral health care disparities in Canadian adults.

This study examines the association of dental insurance with oral health care access and utilization in Canada while accounting for income and sociodemographic factors. It contributes to a baseline of oral health care disparities before the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This retrospective study of Canadians aged 18 to 64 years is based on data from the 2022 Canadian Community Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association of dental insurance with the recency and frequency of dental visits, as well as avoidance of dental care because of cost. Overall, 65.7% of Canadians reported visiting a dental professional in the previous year: 74.6% of those with private insurance, 62.8% with public insurance, and 49.8% uninsured. Cost-related avoidance of dental care was 16.0%, 20.9%, and 47.4% for the privately insured, publicly insured, and uninsured, respectively. After adjustment, adults with private (odds ratio [OR]=2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.32 to 2.78) and public (OR=2.17; 95% CI: 1.75 to 2.68) insurance were more likely to have visited a dental professional in the last year compared with those without insurance. Similarly, both private (OR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.25) and public (OR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.29) insurance holders showed a significantly lower likelihood of avoiding dental visits because of cost when compared with uninsured individuals. This study showed the significant association of dental insurance with access to oral health care in Canada, contributing to setting a critical benchmark for assessments of the CDCP's effectiveness in addressing oral health disparities.

Pre-Pandemic and Recent Oral and Medical Health Care Utilization among Young American Indian Children and Their Caregivers

Children from diverse ethnic groups are at significantly increased risk for dental caries. In particular, American Indian (AI) children have the highest incidence of detal caries of any ethnic group. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically restricted health care access, including preventive oral health care. Given this context, it is unclear whether or not preventive oral health care for AI children has resumed since lockdown. To address this question, we surveyed adult AI caregivers (N = 152) of children aged 0–5 years, assessing recent (12-month) and pre-COVID (for caregivers of children aged 3–5 years) preventive oral and medical health services. We also examined medical health care access and utilization among caregivers. Among children aged 3–5 years old, both pre-pandemic and past year medical care utilization were generally high (80 and 90%, respectively) as was any oral health care utilization (64 & 78%, respectively). Oral health check-ups were more common over the last year (62%) compared to pre-COVID (44%). Recent health care utilization among children 1–5 years old in this sample were generally comparable to national estimates, except for higher reported preventive medical care (99% vs. 87.6%, respectively) and higher preventive oral care (96% vs. 59.6%, respectively). More caregivers reported delaying or foregoing needed health care due to COVID (28–38%) versus due to cost (8–17%). In this survey of AI caregivers, recent child preventive health care utilization was high, and changes in utilization following the lockdown phases of the pandemic were comparable for oral and medical health care.

Oral Healthcare Utilization Factors Shaping the Perceived Oral Health Outcome Among Gond Tribes of Chhattisgarh: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Andersen's Behavioral Model.

The Gonds are a highly ancient and expansive tribal community, ranking among the largest in the world. A review of the literature has suggested that they are more vulnerable to oral diseases and are less inclined to utilize oral health services due to the comprehensive approach that considers the socioeconomic, cultural, and structural factors affecting the Gond community's access to oral health services. Tribal health requires action in the health sector. Utilization is an essential marker of the health status of any population and is necessary to bridge the gap between tribes and the wider portion of the community. Hence, this study was conducted among the Gond tribes of Chhattisgarh to evaluate the oral healthcare utilization factors shaping the perceived oral health outcome using Andersen's behavior model. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 Gond tribes residing in villages of Chhattisgarh.Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire, adapted from Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare utilization during house-to-house survey. The questionnaire included predisposing, enabling, perceived, and evaluated need factors. Oral health status for evaluated need was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form (1997), and the perceived oral health outcome was measured using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results were computed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate analysis was done using binomial logistic regression. The dental visit in the past one year was only 14%. The findings of logistic regression revealed that the perceived oral health outcome was significantly associated with age, occupation, and positive belief in the efficacy of dentist, perceived need, and presence of dental caries. The findings of the present study support Andersen's behavioral model and suggest that there is an interrelationship of predisposing characters, predisposing health beliefs, andenabling need factors that determine the likelihood of use of services, whichin turndetermines the good or bad oral health outcome.

Association of integration with oral health among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands.

Limited data exist about the relationship between acculturation and oral health. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the association of integration with self-reported oral health, behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands, a cross sectional survey study. Between February and April 2021, a random sample from Dutch municipalities was obtained for the Indian migrants living in the Netherlands (n = 147). A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on independent variables, namely socio-demographic, integration assessment tool: Immigration Policy Lab (IPL-12) and everyday discrimination scale (EDS). The outcome variables were self-reported oral health, oral health behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations. Higher integration among Indian migrants was associated with longer stay in the Netherlands, having a Dutch passport, intention to settle in the Netherlands, and having a permanent residence. After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, marital status, education, income, occupation, and dental insurance, regression analysis showed that Indians with higher integration had lower odds of reporting their oral health as fair to poor [OR = 0.92(95%CI:0.0.85;0.99)] than the Indians with low integration scores. Also, Indians with higher integration had lower odds of using a manual toothbrush as compared to an electric toothbrush or use of both [OR = 0.86(95%CI:0.76;0.97)]. Highly integrated Indians had lower odds of consuming Indian sweets than lower integrated Indians (OR = 0.91; 95%CI:0.86;0.97). Indians with higher integration had 1.15 times (95% CI:1.03;1.29) higher odds of visiting a Dutch dental professional than visiting a dentist in both places (India and the Netherlands). No significant association was found between discrimination and the three outcome variables. Integration is positively association with self-reported oral health outcomes among the Indian migrants. Measure to improve integration among Indian migrants may help to promote healthy oral health behaviours and improve their oral health care utilization.

Patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare provided at primary health centers (PHCs) and its association with oral health status among rural population in Rohtak district, Haryana: A household cross-sectional study.

Access to oral healthcare is limited in rural areas, resulting in disparities in oral health services. Primary health centers (PHCs) are essential for providing integrated oral healthcare to rural populations. This study examines the patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare at PHCs in Rohtak district, Haryana. In this 6-month household cross-sectional study, data were collected from a sample of 600 participants residing in rural areas under the jurisdiction of three randomly selected PHCs in Rohtak district. The study employed multistage cluster systematic random sampling procedures. Data collection included structured questionnaires and clinical oral examinations following the type-III ADA classification. Participants' oral health status was evaluated using the WHO oral health assessment form for adults (2013). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Dental caries and periodontal diseases were more common in older age groups. Barriers to oral healthcare among the elderly include fear of dental procedures and low dental literacy. Proximity to PHCs influenced dental service utilization, with higher rates among participants living near a PHC, that is, within 5 km of a PHC. Age, gender, proximity to PHCs, household size, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in the utilization of oral health services among the rural population. Addressing these factors is essential for improving oral healthcare and overcoming barriers. It is crucial to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and availability of oral health services at PHCs to promote better oral health and overall well-being in rural areas.

Predictors influencing dental clinic utilization in primary health care: A retrospective analysis of 233,069 patient records in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

AimThis study aims to identify and address the predictors that promote or prevent the utilization of dental services in primary health care (PHC) centers located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with an ultimate goal to increase the uptake of oral health care (OHC) services. MethodologyRegistration data from 99 PHC centers was used. For each patient visiting a PHC center, information on the number of dental visits was captured. Continuous data was summarized as means, medians, and ranges, and categorical data as frequencies (%). The strength of association was reported as an incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value. Further analysis was conducted to illustrate the association between dental care visits and factors found independently significant in the final multivariate model using Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test. All tests were two-sided and a p-value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe comorbidity profile of patients shows that 11,751(5%) were diabetic, while hypertension amounted to 10,712(4.6%). A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between dental care visits and both age (r = −0.025, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = −0.013, p < 0.001). Mean dental care visits were significantly higher in patients without hypertension compared with those with hypertension (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an approximate 4% increase in dental care visits among females compared to males, although this difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionThe study identified three predictors contributing to the low utilization of dental services in PHC centers in Riyadh. These include an inverse association between both age and body mass index (BMI) and the utilization of OHC. Additionally, the mean dental care visits were significantly higher for patients without hypertension in comparison to hypertensive patients.

A Scoping Review of Oral Health Outcomes and Oral Health Service Utilization of 2SLGBTQ+ People.

Oral health is an integral aspect of overall well-being and quality of life. Population groups such as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, including other sexual and gender minorities (2SLGBTQ+), have reported poor oral health outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the extent and scope of the literature describing 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes, including unmet oral health needs and patterns of oral health care service utilization, as well as the risk factors affecting both. A comprehensive search strategy was developed to review the scope of the literature pertinent to unmet oral health needs and factors affecting access to oral health care among 2SLGBTQ+ members, globally. In total, 6 databases were searched with a combination of keywords relevant to 2SLGBTQ+ oral health status and oral health care utilization. Our review identified 10 studies that met the eligibility criteria. Five out of 10 studies were based in India, 4 in the United States, and 1 in Brazil. Two studies reported poorer oral health outcomes among transgender people as compared with cisgender people, while 2 studies reported similar patterns of dental service utilization between their transgender and cisgender participants. Five studies explored the personal and structural risk factors associated with poor oral health outcomes, including financial affordability and income level and perceived discrimination, including instances of misgendering in health care settings. However, further comprehensive studies must be conducted to validate the trends and findings reported by the studies in the review and to generate data from diverse regional contexts. Our review identified that the extent of the literature in this research area is sparse and scarce. The evidence indicates poorer oral health status among 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Wider studies with diverse, representative samples are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes. The results of this review will undoubtedly be important for many years to come as 2SLGBTQ+ oral health equity is prioritized by experts in public health dentistry. This review will allow other researchers to understand and fill literature gaps regarding 2SLGBTQ+ oral health outcomes, furthering this area of research.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Predisposing Factors in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Predisposing Factors in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of&#x0D; Port Harcourt&#x0D; Background: Dental caries is a common oral health disease of global interest. The burden of thedisease and predisposing factors must be determined before a preventive programme could bedesigned, but relevant data from community-based studies are not common in Rivers State.Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factorsto caries development in the Local Government Area (LGA).Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adultresidents in Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was usedto collect personal data and caries predisposing factors while oral examination was carried out todetermine caries severity and oral hygiene status using DMFT and OHI-S indexes respectively. Thesample size (240) was determined using the formula for descriptive studies.Results: The mean (SD) age was 32(±1.113) years. Most of the participants were married, Ikwerres,skilled workers, earn &amp;lt;100dollar and most had secondary education. Most seldom/never use tobaccoproducts. Most ate fresh fruits every day or several times a week and most also ate cariogenic dietevery day or several times a day. Most use fluoride toothpaste once a day and most do not use floss.Most have never seen a dentist. The prevalence of untreated caries was 64.2%. DMFT score=0.91(very low). The OHI-S = 3.3. (&amp;gt;3 indicates poor OHI).Conclusions: The DMFT index was low while OHI-S was high. Poor oral hygiene status, oralhealthcare utilization and cariogenic diets predisposed the participants to caries.Key words: Caries, prevalence, predisposing factors, prevention