 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
C. Okunseri, BDS MSc DDPHRCS, David Born, PhD, and James Hodges, PhD. School of Dentistry, Department of Preventive Sciences, University of Minnesota, 515 Delaware Street SE, Moos Tower 15-136, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612 625 7641, okuns001@umn.edu
Background: These data are from a collaborative effort between the School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota and Medica (a local health insurance and provider systems) during a designated 2 week dental clinic for Somali immigrants receiving public assistance. Objective: To estimate prevalence of dental caries and unmet treatment needs among Somali children in Minnesota. Methods: A convenience sample of 48 children, 50% male and 50% female aged 3-17 years old was obtained. The mean age was 10 years. Oral health examination was conducted by the dental outreach team. A closed-ended oral health questionnaire was administered to the children's parents. Results: Of the 48 children, 25% were disease free, 75% had evidence of dental caries experience (DMFT = 8.0, SD = 6.7) and treatment needs (DT/DMFT) was 56%. Ten percent of children had at least 3 carious lesions and 14% had 4 carious lesions. Seventy-three percent reported having no regular source of dental care and only 33% had been to the dentist within the previous 12 months. Bivariate analysis did not show any associations between dental caries experience and sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the Somali children (75%) had dental caries experience. We recommend that public health resource must be brought to bear, if Somalia children oral health is to be improved.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Children, Access to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.