Oral health promotion among sikh americans in New York and New Jersey

Literature has shown a prominent link between oral health and chronic disease, and high risk of oral cancer among South Asians. However, very few studies have examined access and barriers to oral health for families in this population. The purpose of this presentation is to describe access and barriers to oral health care among Sikh Americans living in New York and New Jersey. In 2010, a formative study was undertaken wherein 171 Sikh Americans were surveyed to assess demographics, acculturation, and access to oral health care. In 2012, a grant for a family-focused oral health project was sought and received. Tools were designed to screen and survey an additional 150 Sikh Americans, and included an examination of teeth and gums, blood glucose, BMI, access and barriers to healthcare, and oral health knowledge. Formative study data found that 53% of participants had never visited a dentist or received an oral screening examination from a dentist. Of those who had received a dental screening, only 29% had seen a dentist in the last year. Among those participants, 34% had been previously diagnosed with oral problems. The additional round of data collection is ongoing, and will be completed in spring of 2013. Findings will be used to develop a community health worker intervention for oral care in the Sikh community. There is a definite need within this understudied community to address oral health and emphasize its importance in healthy living. Findings from this study will be used to form community specific interventions.