Relationship between the provision of oral public health services by state and local public health agencies and composition of boards of health

This research seeks to determine the relationship between the type of provider of oral public health services (State/territorial agency, local health department by state employee, local health department by local department employee, not for profit entity, for profit entity, or other state government agency), composition of board of health, and two oral health outcomes: fluoridation of community water supplies, and dental sealant application to patients. This study uses a cross sectional design. Independent variables are the service provider types listed above, as well as certain state demographic characteristics, HRSA dental shortage areas, and state public health system structure. Dependent variables are the two oral health outcomes examined and requirement for a dentist to be on board of health. Data on service provider type, as well as system structure are contained in the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) 2010 State and Territorial Public Health Survey. Data on oral health outcomes is contained in the National Oral Health Surveillance System. Data on the demographic characteristics listed above is contained in the US Census. Appropriate statistical techniques, including ANOVA and regression, will be applied to determine the relationships between these variables. Initial analysis suggests that there is a lack of consistency in worse oral health outcomes and direct service provision at the state and local public health agency level. These findings will provide insight into the impact that different sources of service provision may have on community oral health.