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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Addressing Oral Health Disparities Via Educational Foci on Cultural Competence
Linda S Behar-Horenstein1, Rueben C Warren1, Virginia J Dodd1
1Linda S. Behar-Horenstein is with the colleges of Dentistry, Education, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy, and the Clinical Translational Science Institute, Educational Development and Evaluation, University of Florida, Gainesville. Rueben C. Warren is with The National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL. Virginia J. Dodd and Frank A. Catalanotto are with the Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida. Frank A. Catalanotto is also with Oral Health America, Chicago, IL, and Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs Inc, Brooker, FL.
Abstract:
An ever-present challenge for the oral health profession is to reduce the extent of oral disease among racial and ethnic minority populations. Adding to this complex dilemma is the linkage between oral health and systemic health. We describe enhanced cultural competency, in the context of individual cultural beliefs, values, language, practice, and health behaviors, among dental professionals, as one approach to meeting the dental care needs of the underserved. An overview and examples of teaching methods used by University of Florida dental educators to enhance student cultural competency is provided. Evidence-based evaluation results provide evidence of methodology efficacy. We conclude by describing actions that can be implemented by academic dental institutions to facilitate development of culturally competent practitioners.
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