Objectives: To explore disparities in dental sealant and caries prevalence between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites, ages 5 to 17, in the United States. Methods: Data from the third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were analyzed using pairwise comparisons, univariate analyses, and logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined by a Saitherwaite P value ³0.01. Results: This analysis revealed that Mexican Americans received fewer restorations and had more decayed surfaces than non-Hispanic whites. Mexican Americans were 3 times less likely to have dental sealants than non-Hispanic whites. The mean number of sealants for those with sealants was similar for Mexican Americans (4.1) compared to non-Hispanic whites (4.6). Among those with a recent dental visit, only 19% of Mexican Americans versus 35% of non-Hispanic whites had sealants (p=.0003). The percent of persons having one or more sealants on a 1st or 2nd molar differed significantly for age, gender, socioeconomic status (lower-middle, upper categories), and recent dental visit. Analytical models to explore the influence of selected sociodemographic variables on race/ethnicity disparities in dental sealant prevalence revealed that socioeconomic status accounted for 56% of the disparity in sealant prevalence. Conclusions: Overall, Mexican American households were poorer, less educated, and reported having visited a dentist¢s office less frequently than their white non-Hispanic counterparts. The disparity in dental sealant prevalence between Mexican American and non-Hispanic white, 5-17 year olds, is due to a complex set of factors and effects that were partially accounted for by race/ethnicity, age, gender, SES, and recent dental visit.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List existing disparities between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in dental sealant use and caries. 2. Understand the limitations and value of analysis of NHANES III data. 3. Discuss factors that account for and contribute to the disparities between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites.
Keywords: Oral Health, Minority 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.