Medical and oral health of working class residents of Providence Rhode Island

Objective: To assess the medical and oral health needs of the working class residents of the Providence, RI inner-city. Methods: Medical and oral health data were collected in 2010 at a Providence, RI health fair targeting active and retired union workers sponsored by the Working Rhode Island coalition and RI-Alliance for Retired Americans. Medical screenings were performed on 175 health fair attendees consisting of blood glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), blood pressure, smoking history and body mass index. Participant demographics, employment status, health insurance status and health risk assessments were collected. Oral health screenings were performed by calibrated dentists for 92 individuals. Visual inspection of the mouth was performed to assess for soft tissue abnormalities, number of carious teeth (filled/untreated), root caries (filled/untreated), gingival recession, number of teeth/edentulism, and denture status/condition. An oral cancer screening was performed, and oral health quality of life questions were answered. Seventy-five individuals attended both medical and dental screenings. Results: Study participants were primarily Hispanic (73%), with a mean age of 45±16 years. Sixty one percent had greater than a 10% probability for developing coronary heart disease. Moderate/severe risk for developing coronary heart disease was associated with lack of health insurance, elevated glucose, low HDL, and uncontrolled hypertension. Those with gingival recession were 73% more likely to have an increased 10 year probability of coronary heart disease. Conclusion: The target population surveyed exhibited high risk levels for coronary heart disease. A statistical link was observed between coronary heart disease risk and gingival recession.