Oral Health Knowledge, Acculturation and Utilization of Oral Health Services among a Hispanic and Latino Population

Abstract

Purpose: Health disparities in the United States (US) are widespread, especially among racial and ethnic minorities populations. The purpose of this study was to assess whether oral health care knowledge and acculturation were associated with utilization of oral health services among the Latino and Hispanic population in Massachusetts.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a convenience sample of Hispanic or Latino adults (n=315) residing in Massachusetts. The survey consisted of three validated instruments: New Oral Health Literacy Instrument for Public Health, the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute survey, and the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics survey (SASH). Oral health utilization was assessed using descriptive statistics, relationships between variables were assessed using t-tests.

Results: The survey had a completion rate of 73% (n=230). Participants with dental insurance had a higher mean number of correct oral health knowledge responses as compared to those without insurance (p=0.003). Females and participants who were married or in a civil union had a higher mean knowledge score. Participants with dental insurance were more likely to have visited the dentist in the last 12 months, and have a dental home compared to those without (p<0.001). These participants were also more likely to indicate they would visit the dentist in the next 12 months (97%, n=175). The mean SASH score was statistically significantly lower for participants without a dental home (p=0.03), without dental insurance (p=0.01), without a dental visit in the last 12 months (p=0.05), and for those not intending to visit the dentist in the next 12 months (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Improving access to affordable dental coverage, promoting the establishment of a dental home, encouraging cultural sensitivity among the dental team, and providing resources to those with limited English proficiency could improve utilization of oral health services among Latino and Hispanic populations.