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Oral health needs and access to dental care of homeless adults in the United States: a review
Author(s) -
King Tracy B.,
Gibson Gretchen
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2003.tb00301.x
Subject(s) - medicine , workforce , mainstream , oral health , population , gerontology , dental care , health care , family medicine , environmental health , economics , economic growth , philosophy , theology
The homeless population in the United States is one of great diversity that continues to increase in number. Although data on the oral health status of individuals who are homeless is limited, studies consistently report both the perception and clinical evidence of dental needs among this population as well as a low utilization rate for dental services. This article reviews the oral health needs of people who are homeless as reported in literature, barriers to receiving dental care, and methods used to deliver dental care to this population. Many rehabilitation centers for adults who are homeless consider the establishment and maintenance of a state of good general and oral health as a priority and a key factor in helping homeless adults to return to the workforce and mainstream society.