Dental needs and perceptions of adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers in Colorado

To identify oral health needs, 231 adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers participated in an oral interview and dental epidemiologic survey in Colorado in summer 1986. DMFT and CPITN scores and restorative treatment needs were recorded. Overall treatment needs then were calculated. Mean DMFT was 9; 85% had one or more decayed teeth and 66% had one or fewer filled teeth. Analysis of CPITN scores revealed 69% displaying ADA perio cases types I and II, and 28% with ADA case types III and IV. Twenty-two percent of the sample had never received dental care, with another 56% not having received regular care. Barriers to care are cost, time factors, and perceptions of ineffective diagnosis or treatment. Differences by age, sex, language, education, home base, and care-seeking status are presented. Results document the need for increased preventive and treatment services and education for migrant adults.