Oral Health Status and Dental Needs among a Cohort of Hispanic Migrant Workers in South Florida

OBJECTIVE: Migrant farmworkers are recognized as a medically underserved population, yet—despite being listed as one major health problem facing this population—little information on needs, access, and services to oral health is available. This study adds to the limited body of research regarding oral health among Hispanic migrant workers in South Florida.

METHODS: A network-based sample of 278 Hispanic migrant workers was recruited from November 2008 to December 2009 from migrant communities in the Homestead/Florida City area in Miami-Dade County, Florida. After screening for eligibility, participants were administered a structured questionnaire using A-CASI that included basic sociodemographic information, alcohol and other drug use history, sexual behaviors, acculturation, and behavioral intentionality. An Oral Health questionnaire was administered at the 9-month follow-up containing questions regarding oral health status, practices, services utilization, barriers to oral care, and Oral Health Impact Profile. This study was approved by the IRB of Florida International University

RESULTS: Among the 278 respondents, 61% self-reported their oral health status as deteriorated or poor. However, 80% had not sought oral health care in the prior year and 41% reported having a problem. When asked why they hadn't seen an oral health professional, 83% mentioned the high cost of treatment. Only 4% of this population has any type of dental insurance.

CONCLUSIONS: Available data indicate that Hispanic Migrant Workers are currently in need of dental treatment having reported regular condition of their teeth and gums. Evidence of impediments for improvement of oral health care was found among this population.