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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Woosung Sohn¹, Amid Ismail¹, Ashley Amaya¹, and James Lepkowski². (1) Dept. of CRS & E, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, 734-615-6622, woosung@umich.edu, (2) Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1248

The objective of this analysis is to investigate the determinants of dental care visits of young low-income African American children. Methods: A representative sample of low-income African American families (caregivers and children aged 0-5 years) in Detroit, Michigan was interviewed to assess their dental visit history, dental insurance status, perceived oral health status, oral health behaviors, and sociodemographic information. Dental caries examination was conducted based on the ICDAS (International Caries Diagnosis Assessment System) caries detection system. During the study a total of 1,021 children aged less than 5 years and their caregivers participated in the interviews and examination. This analysis included data from 552 children aged 3 years and older and their caregivers. Descriptive and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were conducted using SAS and SUDAAN. Results: Dental insurance status of children (Private, Medicaid, or None) was a significant determinant of dental visits. Caregiver's preventive dental visits was a positive and significant determinant of children dental care visits in addition to the child's age (older children had more visits), female gender, and high school or higher caregivers' educational level. Conclusion: Programs and policy to increase caregivers' preventive dental visits in addition to provision of child dental insurance should be considered to improve access to dental care for low-income children. Supported by USPHS grant U-54 DE 14261.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List significant determinants (positive and negative) of dental visits among low-income African American children.
• Understand the significance of caregivers' preventive dental visits on their children's dental visits.
• Discuss programs or policy developments to improve dental access of low-income children.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered