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Lina Vega, DDS, MPH '05', Edna D. Brooks, DDS, MPH '05, Jonathan A. Calvo, BA, MPH '04', and Raul R. Cuadrado, MPH, DrPH, PhD. Master of Public Health Program, Health Professions Division Nova SE University, 3200 S. University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, 954-262-1614, vlina@nova.edu
Purpose: One of the objectives of oral health as described in Healthy People 2010 is to give access to oral care to under-served populations. This study will define some of the oral health problems of immigrant Latino/a farm workers and their families. Methods: This study was carryout on randomly selected patient charts from a sample of 148 subjects (50.7% F, 49.3% M) from the Clinic Our Lady Queen of Peace Mission in Delray Beach, Florida. Ninety-one percent were Latino/a, 2% African American, and 6.8% Haitian. Statistical analysis involved Chi-square tests using SPSS 11.5 to compare dental visit history and clinical procedures performed. Results: The mean age was 32.2 (16.6) ranging from 4 years old to 70 years old. Seventy percent of the total population had extractions. After stratifying age, 80% of adults ages 19 to 70 years old, who had not been seen by a dentist in over a year or longer, had more dental extractions compare to 53% of subjects 0 to 18 years old (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Because many patients go for emergency treatment, integral oral health is neglected. Poor oral hygiene and untreated oral diseases can have a significant impact on the quality of life. In order to address the oral health characteristics and to assure proper health care, future studies involving larger populations of Latino farm workers and their families at Clinic Borinquen and Redlands Christian Migrant Associations of Florida will be analyzed using DMFS (Decay, Missing, Filling Surface ) indices.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives
Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, Oral Health Needs
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.