Oral health status, perceptions, and access to dental care in the Hispanic population

This article analyzes the results of a survey designed to assess self-reported oral health status, perceptions, and access to care between the Hispanic population and the general population of the United States. A nationally representative telephone survey was conducted with randomly selected participants: 1000 each from the Hispanic and the general populations. Responses of both groups were compared and statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results showed significant differences between the Hispanic and the general populations. Hispanics were less likely to believe in the need for regular professional dental care, more likely to have misperceptions about oral health and conditions, and less likely to have access to care than the general population. Hispanics were less likely to have visited a dentist in the last 2 years, and significantly more Hispanics than general population participants cited cost of care and lack of dental insurance as key reasons for not seeing a dentist. More information on good oral health habits, Spanish-language information, and where to access care were identified as helpful tools by majorities of Hispanics. These data indicate disparities do exist between the Hispanic and the general populations. They highlight the need for new policies and programs-from organized dentistry to individual practices-that address the needs of the growing Hispanic population.