Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105988

Martha Conkling, MSPH, Health Policy and Management, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 3000 Briarcrest Dr., Suite 300, Bryan, TX 77802, 979-458-3031, mctromp@srph.tamushsc.edu

Purpose: One-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease. Evidence suggests a two way association between chronic periodontal inflammation and diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate if individuals with diabetes in the colonias near McAllen, Texas have lower realized access to dental services than those individuals without diabetes.

Methods: Household survey data of 446 adults collected from Dec.-April 2003 in the colonias near McAllen, Texas was used for this study. A blood sugar test or screening had been received by 231 participants and 84 reported having diabetes. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess whether diabetics have lower realized access to dental services than those individuals without diabetes.

Results: Demographics of this population are: 78% have an education at the 8th grade level or less and 72% live in households with an income less than $8,000/year. People with diabetes were 86% less likely to have seen a dentist in the last year, than those without diabetes (p-value 0.024). Participants over 65 years were 96% less likely to have seen a dental health provider in the last year.

Conclusions: A relationship has been demonstrated between those who have realized a dental provider visit in the last year and diabetes status. Preventive dental care may be important in preventing complications of both diseases. Different standards of care are currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. An inability to consume foods due to unhealthy gums and lost teeth could result in untimely deaths.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant in this session will be able to

• Discuss the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes.
• Recognize the dilemma diabetics face in border communities in relation to receiving dental care.
• Articulate the need for relevant policies for the provision of dental care for the diabetic population residing in the colonias.

Keywords: Diabetes, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.