Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121389

Debra Kane, PhD, RN, APRN, Iowa Department of Public Health/Centers for Disease Control, Bureau of Family Health, 321 E 12th St., 5th Floor, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319, 515-281-4952, duk6@cdc.gov, Nicholas Mosca, DDS, Mississippi Department of Health, P. O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215, and Marianne Zotti, DrPH, RN, FAAN, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy. NE, MS K-22, Altanta, GA 30341.

Failure to obtain routine care and low family income have been associated with failure to obtain dental care among children with special health care needs (CSHCN) who reside in southern states with high poverty levels. A similar relationship may exist between specialty care and dental care. This study examined the relationship between failure to obtain specialty care and failure to obtain dental care for CSHCN. We used the 2001 National CSHCN Survey data for respondents from the American Dental Association's (ADA) 5th District (Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi; n=2092). Study variables included socio-demographic factors (e.g. age, race, family income, & health insurance), failure to obtain specialty or routine care (yes/no) and their effect on failure to obtain dental care (yes/no). Using SAS and SUDAAN, we conducted bivariate and logistic analyses. Seventy-six percent of CSHCN reported a need for dental care; 13.1% did not receive care. Logistic regression revealed that low family income (all income levels <400 % FPL had OR> 8; CIs= 1.4-49) and failure to obtain specialty care (OR=12.7; CI = 3.5-46.7) were significantly associated with failure to obtain dental care; failure to obtain routine care was not (OR=2.1; CI=0.3-14.5). Low income families were less likely to perceive a need for dental care (p<.000). Although imprecise due to sample size, these results suggest that failure to obtain dental care by CSHCN residing in southern states with high poverty levels may be related to perception of need and to income. Examination of ADA region interaction with key independent variables is underway.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe the relationship between failure to obtain specialty care and failure to obtain dental care for children with special health care needs.
• 2. Describe the role of federal poverty level and failure to obtain dental care for children with special health care needs.
• 3. Discuss comparisons of the 5th American Dental Association to other American Dental Association Districts with regard to access to dental care by children with special health care needs.

Keywords: Oral Health, Children With Special Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.