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Factors associated with reported need for dental care among people who are homeless using assistance programs
Author(s) -
Okunseri Christopher,
Girgis Dina,
Self Karl,
Jackson Scott,
McGinley Emily L.,
Tarima Sergey S.
Publication year - 2010
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.1754-4505.2010.00145.x
Subject(s) - medicine , odds , dental insurance , dental care , family medicine , ethnic group , odds ratio , health care , oral health , gerontology , logistic regression , pathology , sociology , anthropology , economics , economic growth
A retrospective secondary data analysis of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients database was conducted to identify the demographic characteristics and correlates associated with reported need for dental care among people who are homeless in the United States. Overall, 10% of people who were homeless reported that dental care was their most needed service. Of these, 17% had a dental visit within the previous 12 months, 52% were racial/ethnic minorities, 76% lived in a central city, and 26% were veterans. The unadjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care was highest among veterans who were homeless and those whose last dental visit occurred more than 12 months ago. Compared to nonveterans who were homeless, veterans had twice the adjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care. The adjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care were lowest for those with dental insurance. Evaluation of the data suggests that dental insurance was associated with reporting lower need for dental care. Veterans who were homeless reported higher odds for dental care. Strengthening existing oral health‐care programs sensitive to the needs of people who are homeless may improve their oral health and reduce their dental‐disease‐related morbidity.