The Indian Health Service dental program conducted a national oral health survey in 1999, collecting data from all twelve geographic regions. A convenience sample of dental program patients, stratified by age, was utilized. Participants were examined for a number of oral health conditions, including dental caries, extractions, and periodontal disease. Only 25% of 2-4 year olds, 9% of 8 year olds and 12% of 15 year olds had no carious lesions. Clinical examinations revealed a high percentage of children and adults with untreated decay: 2-4 y.o. - 67%; 6-8 y.o. - 69%; 15 y.o. - 66%; 35-44 y.o. - 66%. Results showed 24% of dentate adults aged 35-44 years had lost one or more teeth due to caries or periodontal disease, and 29% of adults aged 65-74 were edentulous in both arches. The percentage of adults aged 35-44 years with periodontal disease (at least one pocket 3.5 mm or deeper) was 56%. On a more positive note, 39% of 6-8 year old children and 67% of 14-15 year old children had sealants.
Dental and periodontal disease among Native Americans appears to continue to be significantly higher than available statistics for non-Native Americans. During the eight years since the previous IHS national oral health survey, no significant improvement of oral health status is noted among Native Americans.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn that oral disease among Native Americans appears to be significantly higher than available statistics for non-Native Americans
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.