Adult oral care disparities of diverse race/ethnicity in Southern Nevada

Objective: Oral health status is an integral component of total health, quality of life, and social status. The purpose of this study was to compare the selected types of procedures by various race/ethnic groups treated at a dental clinic in Southern Nevada.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included a sample of 1716 patients who received treatment between June and December 2007. Race/ethnicity was defined as (1) Caucasians, (2) African Americans (3) Hispanic, and (4) Asian/Pacific Islander. Dental procedures selected included simple extractions vs. single and double amalgam and composite restorations. A comparison of the type of procedures selected and race/ethnicity was evaluated.

Results: A majority of all patients selected simple extractions (71.8%; n=1232) over restorations (28.2%; n=484) as a treatment option. The majority of all race/ethnic groups chose extraction procedure with a distribution of 71.8% Caucasian, 86.4% African-American, 67.4% Hispanic, and 62.5% Asian/Pacific Islander. Distribution was equal between males and females (72% vs. 71.8% respectively). Patients between ages 20-59 (70%), who had private dental insurance, (67.5%) used tobacco products (82.4%) and drank alcohol (65.3%) selected simple extractions over restorations.

Conclusion: Oral health disparities regarding type of treatment exist regardless of SES, insurance status or location of treatment. Further research is required to investigate reasons for these discrepancies are needed. There is a need to develop an individualized oral care model that includes patient education, oral disease prevention, and access to oral care.