It is widely believed that national data concerning oral health do not accurately reflect the continued state of poor oral health in vulnerable communities. The authors assessed oral health status and disease severity of adolescents ages 12-17 participating in several school-based clinics in Washington Heights and Central Harlem. Using the "passive consent" methodology - parents must indicate specifically that they do not want their children to receive dental services at school-based clinics - we conducted caries risk assessment for >90% of children in participating schools. An additional consent form was required to conduct a periodontal assessment, which resulted in a significantly lower response rate. Further examination revealed that participants who did not return the additional consent form had worse DMFT scores than those who did return their forms. While our study indicated high disease severity among those who returned for follow-up, the authors' and others current data indicate that unless another methodology is used to examine oral health status of the "underrepresented," the magnitude of need and disease severity in minority communities will not be captured. Our experience revealed that another subset of children from vulnerable, disadvantaged communities were not being counted or considered; unmet need also should include hidden need. As in the Census and other population-based surveys, there is a hidden bias; people who are "in and out" of the system and who often have the highest need and most access barriers, will remain excluded unless different mechanisms and methodologies in oral health research are utilized.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1) assess the extent to which current dental health surveys and other population-based health studies may underrepresent need and disease severity of minority and vulnerable communities, 2) discuss ways to reach out to vulnerable communities in conducting needs assessment, 3) gain an understanding on how school-based programs in minority communities can help, not only to provide needed services, but to assess oral and physical health status among those who lack access to primary oral and medical care services
Keywords: Oral Health Needs, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.