Investigation of Socioeconomic Characteristics, Oral Health Related Attitudes and Behaviors, and Access to Oral Health Services in Vallejo

The purpose of this study is to investigate socioeconomic characteristics, oral health related attitudes and behaviors, and access to oral health services among participants in a school-based oral health services project funded by HRSA. A sample (n=260) of caregivers of children in Vallejo, California receiving oral health services were enrolled in the study and were administered a survey to assess attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors concerning oral health and access to dental care from 2012 to 2014. Most participants (68%) have a total family income of less than $40,000, do not have dental insurance (65%), and have not been to a dentist in more than a year (61%) and about one-half (57%) of the participants are Hispanic/Latino. Some participants (27%) reported poor mouth conditions and do not brush their teeth at least twice a day every day. Few participants (10%) report confidence that they can keep themselves from getting cavities. Results suggest a lack of access to dental services among these families, many of whom do not have dental insurance resulting to the low frequency of dental visits. Participants also have poor brushing behaviors and poor perceptions of their oral health and few believe that they can maintain healthy teeth. Implementing community-based oral health programs that provide better access to dental services and promote healthy oral habits may significantly improve oral health related beliefs, behaviors and access to care among underserved families.