This study investigated the relationship between race and coronal caries outcome measures in non-Hispanic school children who participated in the second National Survey of Oral Health in United States School Children. The objectives were (1) to study racial variation in sources of measurement bias and (2) to assess the relationship between race and coronal caries prevalence when the joint effects of socio-demographic characteristics, disease preventions, and measurement biases are taken into account. Methods: Regression models were used to assess the relationship between race and selected independent variables and coronal caries outcomes. Results: The study provided evidence that the dental age (maturation) of Black children was older than that for White children of similar chronological age. Blacks were less likely to use those disease prevention regimens that were associated with dental office visits. On the other hand, Black children were more likely to have access to community-based disease preventions–public water fluoridation and school-based fluoride programs. When disease prevention regimens and dental maturation factors were taken into account, consistently Black children had less favorable coronal caries experience than White children had. Among children who had a coronal caries experience, there was a clearer pattern of excess coronal caries in Blacks than that observed in Whites. Conclusions: Multivariate analyses suggested that valid estimates of racial differences in coronal caries experience require adjustments for racial differences in the use of disease prevention regimens and dental maturation. Community-based disease prevention programs may compensate for the economic disadvantage that contributes to diminished oral health in minority populations.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:
Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, 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.