Little is known about the oral health status and dental care utilization of the rural population in the United States. We present oral health indicators for this population using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Data limitations to the study of the health of rural populations also are addressed. Data are presented for children (2-17), adults (18-64), and elders (65 and over). We found significant differences in untreated caries and DMFT between rural and non-rural adults (32.6% v. 25.7% and 13.2% v. 12.2% respectively). Differences in the same direction among children did not reach statistical significance. Rural elders and adults are more likely to present total tooth loss than their non-rural counterparts (40.3 % v. 30.1% and 8.7% v. 4.4% respectively). More rural than non-rural elders reported poor oral health status (51.6% v. 42.6%). There was a similar, but not statistically significant, trend among children. There was no difference in report of poor oral health between rural and non-rural adults. Rural children and elders were less likely to report a dental visit in the past year than their non-rural counterparts (51.4% v. 61.7% and 33.9% v. 45.9% respectively). Consistently, rural children and elders are less likely to have dental insurance. In conclusion, children and elders residing in rural areas are more likely to present inadequate oral health indicators than their counterparts residing in non-rural areas. Project supported by the Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the oral health status and dental care utilization of rural residents. 2. Participants will be able to identify data limitations to study oral health of the American rural population.
Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, Rural Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.