Oral Health Disparities: A Gradient Remedied Through Educational Programs

Abstract

Dental health in the context of larger health in the United States is a vital area of research as it has a direct impact on overall health, equality of opportunity in the work force, and generational dental health. This research will play a direct role in the formation and implementation of policy to alleviate the oral health disparities across the socioeconomic gradient. Various factors have been analyzed as key contributors to this gradient including food and beverage choices, dental anxiety, access to reparative treatment, and general education about prevention and maintenance of good oral health. However, many of these options have been shown to have short-term effects. Because of barriers like access, cost, and time for dental visits, this paper will focus on dental and oral health education as a primary course change towards a healthier nation. Educational programs in countries outside the United States have had varied results, but with persistence and the appropriate combination of education and practice, the oral health gradient can be lessened significantly, especially for the lowest socioeconomic communities. [From Introduction]