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Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Assessment of the Association between Socioeconomic Factors and Dental Health Disparities Over a Decade
Sheethal Kalmadka1, Shashwat Kumar2, Sneha Das3
1Teaching Assistant, PPCR, Harvard TH Chan School of Health, Massachusetts, Boston.
Background:
Socioeconomic variables continue to play a major role in the global persistence of dental health inequities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and dental health outcomes at a tertiary-care facility over a 10-year period.
Methods:
Patient demographics, socioeconomic factors, and dental health outcomes were analyzed retrospectively from dental health records. To determine the relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and disparities in oral health, statistical studies were carried out.
Results:
Tooth cavities and untreated dental problems were more common in people with lower incomes and educational levels. There were notable differences in oral health outcomes between various socioeconomic groups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this research shows that there is a persistent relationship at a tertiary-care facility between socioeconomic characteristics and disparities in oral health. Reducing disparities in dental health outcomes and advancing oral health equity require addressing socioeconomic causes.
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