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Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Wu, YY; Zhang, W; Wu, B
Published in: JDR clinical and translational research
April 2022

This article aims to examine the disparities in dental service utilization among 3 age groups: younger adults (20-49 y), middle-aged adults (50-64 y), and older adults (65+ y), among Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, American Indians or Alaska Natives (AIAN), and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI).Weighted logistic regression models were conducted to analyze 9 waves of cross-sectional survey data (2002-2018) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We estimated age group- and race/ethnic-specific prevalences of dental service utilization adjusting sociodemographics and self-rated health for each wave and compared with crude analysis. Next, we performed linear regression analysis of the trend of adjusted prevalences over time and the average level by race/ethnicity and age groups.Racial/ethnic disparities increased with age, even though the adjusted prevalences of dental service utilization were less apparent than the crude analysis. The all-wave average prevalence was 71%. Black older adults had the lowest level of dental service utilization (65%) as compared with the 2 highest groups: White older adults (79%) and Asian older adults (76%). The general younger adult populations had low prevalences, with the lowest among Asian younger adults (65%). AIAN and NHOPI individuals from all age groups tended to have average or below average prevalences. In addition, a decreasing trend of dental service utilization was observed among White individuals of all age groups (0.2%-0.3% lower per year, P < 0.01) and AIAN younger adults (0.5% lower per year, P < 0.01).Health policy, federal funding, and community-based programs should address the needs of dental service utilization for racial/ethnic minorities including Blacks, AIANs, and NHOPIs.Our study offers insights into our understanding of disparities in dental service utilization among minority racial/ethnic groups. As health policy, federal funding, and community-based programs seek to improve oral health, there is a need to address access to and utilization of dental service for Blacks, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

JDR clinical and translational research

DOI

EISSN

2380-0852

ISSN

2380-0844

Publication Date

April 2022

Volume

7

Issue

2

Start / End Page

182 / 188

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Racial Groups
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Middle Aged
  • Humans
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Dental Care
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Aged
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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Wu, Y. Y., Zhang, W., & Wu, B. (2022). Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States. JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 7(2), 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844211012660
Wu, Y. Y., W. Zhang, and B. Wu. “Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States.JDR Clinical and Translational Research 7, no. 2 (April 2022): 182–88. https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844211012660.
Wu YY, Zhang W, Wu B. Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States. JDR clinical and translational research. 2022 Apr;7(2):182–8.
Wu, Y. Y., et al. “Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States.JDR Clinical and Translational Research, vol. 7, no. 2, Apr. 2022, pp. 182–88. Epmc, doi:10.1177/23800844211012660.
Wu YY, Zhang W, Wu B. Disparities in Dental Service Use among Adult Populations in the United States. JDR clinical and translational research. 2022 Apr;7(2):182–188.
Journal cover image

Published In

JDR clinical and translational research

DOI

EISSN

2380-0852

ISSN

2380-0844

Publication Date

April 2022

Volume

7

Issue

2

Start / End Page

182 / 188

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Racial Groups
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Middle Aged
  • Humans
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Dental Care
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Aged