Harvard Dental Experts Examine Disparities in Oral Health Care During Webinar

USA: Experts in oral health policy from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine delved into the barriers to equitable healthcare in a recent webinar hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning. 

Catherine Hayes, Chair of the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, and Hawazin Elani, an assistant professor in the department, shed light on the silent epidemic of dental and oral diseases disproportionately burdening certain population groups.

Children From Lower-Income Households Face Disproportionate Rates

Catherine Hayes highlighted the prevalence of dental caries, or tooth decay, among children from lower-income households, emphasising that it is the most common disease of childhood. Shockingly, over 50% of children from the lowest income groups have experienced decay, revealing a clear correlation between income levels and the incidence of the disease.

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Hawazin Elani expanded on the issue, revealing that income disparities in oral health care extend to adults, with approximately 26% of all adults in the U.S. having untreated decay. Cost emerged as a significant barrier to accessing dental care across age groups and income brackets, underlining the need for addressing economic disparities in healthcare access.

Ethnic Disparities in Dental Decay Rates

Catherine Hayes pointed out ethnic disparities in dental decay rates, citing Hispanic children as having the highest rates of decay. Access issues, she argued, contribute significantly to these disparities, emphasising the need to address the root causes of inadequate access to oral healthcare among different ethnic groups.

Hayes stressed the importance of raising awareness about the strong relationship between oral health and general health. She highlighted the alarming trend of children between the ages of two and six requiring operations for severe dental caries, deeming it a failure of the existing healthcare system. To address disparities, Hayes advocated for dental practitioners to better understand and serve marginalised populations, suggesting practical steps such as keeping dental offices open beyond regular hours.

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Hawazin Elani addressed the impact of the Affordable Care Act on oral health care coverage, highlighting inconsistencies across different states. The range of coverage, from none at all to extensive, underscores the need for more uniform policies to ensure equal access to oral healthcare services.

In efforts to reduce disparities, Elani advocated for policies incentivising more individuals to enter the dental profession. She stressed the importance of authorising additional dental therapists to practice, particularly in rural areas with shortages. Currently, there are only about 150 active dental therapists in the country, highlighting the need for increased access to preventative care.

Hayes emphasised that addressing disparities in oral health care requires a holistic approach, going beyond merely looking at teeth and considering the larger systemic issues. Understanding and addressing socioeconomic factors are crucial steps towards building a more equitable and accessible oral healthcare system.

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