Perceptions of dental care need among African-American elders: implications for health promotion
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
1Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 4001 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146-6003, USA. yas@pobox.upenn.edu
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess perceived dental care need, actual clinical need and the relationship between these variables and care-seeking behavior among community residing African-American elders. A convenience sample of 146 elders responded to a survey and participated in oral screenings at six senior centers. Elders were categorized as needing routine dental care, some dental care, or urgent dental care. Most (61%) required dental care with one-fourth having urgent dental care needs. Elders reporting a problem tended to seek dental care more often within a year (38%) than those not reporting a problem (27%). Sixty-four percent did not currently have a dental provider. The majority (83%) rated their general health as being fair or good and few (9%) reported oral pain. These findings suggest developing health promotion programs that emphasize non-painful oral signs and symptoms, accompanied by associated general health implications that may compromise overall health.
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