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Abstract #153547

Connie Mobley, PhD, RD¹, Marcia M. Ditmyer, PhD, CHES², and Georgia Dounis, PhD, DDM². (1) School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, M/S 7410, 1001 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106-2643, 702-774-2643, connie.mobley@unlv.edu, (2) School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 1001 Shadow Lane, MS 7410, Las Vegas, NV 89106-4124

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess differences in a patient cohort according to dental treatments associated with social determinants of health.

Methods: Adult cases (n=425) treated in December, 2006 at a dental school clinic were reviewed. Comparisons were made between two treatment groups: simple extractions versus composites/amalgam restorations. Descriptive variables included gender, race/ethnicity, dental insurance status, self-reported tobacco use, and socioeconomic status (SES), calculated using median household income by zip code (High = > $60,000; Moderate = $33,000 - $60,000; Low = <$3,000). Number and type of procedures were analyzed using ANOVA statistical methods.

Results: The majority of the sample [(44% males (N=187), 56% females (N=238)] were moderate to low SES (96%; N=408), with 56% Caucasian (N=238), 21% African American (N=89), and 16% Hispanic (N=68). Most were not insured (87%; N=368), and used tobacco products (N=249). Sixty percent of the sample received extractions and 40% restorations, with a combined mean of 3.60+4.76 total procedures performed. Significant differences existed between race/ethnicity on number (F=5.897, p<0.05) and type (F=3.846, p<0.05) of procedures, with extractions being prevalent in African Americans and Hispanics. Statistical differences in SES were found only in the type of procedure (F=16.453, p<0.05), with the lower SES group receiving more extractions.

Conclusion: Results indicate health disparities exist in the number and type of procedures when comparing extractions to amalgam/composite restorations. Lower SES Non-Caucasian patients were not given alternatives to less expensive simple extractions when treated. Oral health equity should be of utmost importance to dental professionals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify differential treatment within a patient cohort in a metropolitan-based dental school clinic.
• Explain differences in the total number of procedures completed on patients of different socioeconomic status.
• Explain differences the type of procedures performed on patients of different socioeconomic status.
• Identify patients who are at greatest risk of receiving differential treatment and potential solutions for improving health equity in dental care.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.