Using technology to bridge gaps in oral health access in rural Hispanic population


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

3357.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 5:15 PM

Abstract #116209

Using technology to bridge gaps in oral health access in rural Hispanic population

Anjum Khurshid, MBBS, MPAff, LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin, PO Box Y, Austin, TX 78713, 512-471-5109, anjum@mail.utexas.edu and Lars EA Folke, PhD, DDS, Center for Telehealth, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, PO Box 660677, Dallas, TX 75266.

Background: The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health, 2000 described a “silent epidemic” of oral diseases in America. Dental caries or decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting more than 52% of children 8-years or older. Inadequate access to oral healthcare not only promotes caries but also jeopardizes early detection of more serious problems such as oral cancers and periodontal disease.

Objective: To measure the access to oral health services in school children in a rural, largely Hispanic population in south Texas; to identify how factors such as dental insurance, distance from a dentist, and socioeconomic status may influence access.

Methodology: Lyford school district is located in Willacy County (south Texas) where 85% of the population is Hispanic. The school has been running a teledentistry project for two years. A 48-question survey was distributed to parents of all 1500 students enrolled in the elementary, middle, and high schools at Lyford. Surveys were distributed both in English and Spanish languages.

Results: The response rate was 40% (n=595). Data analysis shows lack of access to oral healthcare among children, with very few having dental insurance (private or through Medicaid/CHIP) and many crossing the border to get treatment in Mexico. Data also show a strong support in the community for use of teledentistry to screen and diagnose dental problems in school health clinic.

Conclusion: Establishing school-based teledentistry programs in remote areas is an innovative policy solution to the increasing problem of access to oral health in underserved populations.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants in this session will be able to

1. describe the extent of lack of access to oral health in selected populations
2. discuss factors that affect access to oral health
3. identify innovative ways of using technology to improve access to oral health in underserved populations

Keywords: Telehealth, Oral Health Needs

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.

Recorded presentation

Improved Care Through Innovative Approaches: Medication Assistance, Dental Care, Transportation

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA