Oral

Oral health literacy (OHL) continues to be emerging field of inquiry for dental education and practice. The American Dental Association's House of Delegates commissioned two surveys to better understand OHL in these contexts. Additional surveys were distributed to a random probability sample 1,000 Maryland dental offices. The latter “sub-study” was initiated in response to the death of Deamonte Driver and to better understand efforts to improve access to oral health care. The second study involved an electronic survey, targeting the 57 accredited U.S. dental schools to determine the extent to which OHL is integrated into dental school curricula and clinical training activities. The results of both studies may have implications for dental and dental public health research, policy and practice. The findings may also further contribute the American Dental Association's five-year strategic action plan to address OHL, including the formation of collaborative relationships with specialty dental organizations, dental schools, other insitutions of higher education and health care organizations.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the development, administration, findings and implications of a survey to determine OHL KABB of dental teams in the U.S. 2. Articulate the rationale and development, implementation, findings and implications of a “sub-study” to determine OHL KABB of dental teams in the State of Maryland 3. Explain the development, administration, findings and implications of a survey of U.S. dental schools and the extent to which OHL and health communication skill building are integrated into dental school curricula.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)