Factors leading to poor oral health in polk county

Oral health is an important factor in overall health. With tooth decay affecting children in the United States more than any other chronic disease and one in seven adults aged 35 to 44 affected by gum disease, oral health is impacting almost everyone in today's society. Polk County, GA is a low-income population with twenty-four percent of the population uninsured and nearly a third of the children living in poverty. The Polk County Health Department is working to create a Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike to provide care for this community. For the creation of this center, an oral health needs assessment was conducted to determine the need in the population. A two-paged anonymous survey, open to any age group, was disseminated in the county at various locations. Boxes were left at each location to collect completed surveys and conceal identity. Focus groups, lead by a facilitator and two recorders, were conducted throughout the county to obtain a viable representation of the population. Out of a sample of 485, the main barriers to oral health residents addressed were income, with 28% having a family income less than $10,000, lack of insurance (32%), cost/fees of dental care (35%), and location of services, with 30% stating they would go to the dentist if care was provided at the health department. Bringing dental care to the community through the creation of a Federally Qualified Health Center Look Alike would reduce this problem and be beneficial to the community.