Constructing self-rated oral health among disadvantaged older African Americans

Poor oral health care is prevalent among minority, disadvantaged, and older populations despite being readily treatable by effective, low-technology, low-cost interventions for prevention and early care. Oral health is a recognized priority ( 1, 2) in the goals set by the "Oral Health in Healthy People 2030″ (3) and the World Health Organization's call to for universal oral health coverage (4). However, many challenges exist, including inadequate awareness, knowledge, and access, particularly among disadvantaged groups. A key to improving use of services is knowledge of the individual's own appraisal of their oral health. Today, our understanding of these appraisals remains inadequate. This article offers insights into how older Detroit inner-city residents participating in a community-based oral health equity project construct their oral health self-rating, oral health perceptions, and beliefs. Such information is critical to guide providers and policymakers working to improve oral health.