The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65136

Armine Lulejian, MPH¹, Nadereh Pourat, PhD¹, Roberta Wyn, PhD¹, and Marvin Marcus, DDS, MPH². (1) Center for Health Policy Research, University of California, Los Angeles, 10911 Weyburn Ave, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90024, 310-794-2548, lulejian@ucla.edu, (2) School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., 63-045 CHS, Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668

The purpose of this study was to identify the correspondence of dental shortage areas with the areas that have the highest concentration of underserved populations, such as poor, minority, children, limited English proficient (LEP), or immigrant. We obtained the population distribution of the poor, minority, children, LEP, immigrant, and the total population in California at the zip code level from the Census. Data on California dentists with current licenses was obtained from the California Dental Association. We grouped licensed dentists and population groups within the state by Medical Services Study Areas (MSSA). We then mapped the shortage areas and identified MSSAs that corresponded to areas with the highest concentration of groups of vulnerable populations. Preliminary analysis shows that dentist shortage areas are often the same areas with the highest concentration of two or more of these population groups: poor, minority, children, LEP or immigrant populations. Additionally, assignment of dental shortage areas often corresponds to areas where potentially vulnerable populations live. Areas with a shortage of dentists may be at risk of further decline in dental providers due to availability of new dentists. Policies based on simple measures of shortage area may not identify areas with high demand for dental care. Combined analysis of personnel availability and demand for dental care is essential.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Recognize dental shortage areas in California.
• 2. Describe availability of dentists in areas with high concentration of vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Oral Health, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.