Dental decay in southern Illinois migrant and seasonal farmworkers: an analysis of clinical data.
BACKGROUND
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a population at risk for oral health problems. Data on the oral health conditions of migrant and seasonal farmworkers' permanent teeth are particularly lacking.


OBJECTIVE
To document the relative rates of treated and untreated dental decay in a sample of southern Illinois migrant and seasonal farmworkers who had sought care at a farmworker health center dental clinic.


METHODS
Existing migrant health dental clinic records from 1995-2002 were reviewed. Final sample size was 650. Data for decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces were recorded using both anatomical recording and treatment notes.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine percent of migrant farmworkers had at least 1 decayed (untreated) tooth surface, and more than half had 3 or more decayed surfaces.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that untreated dental decay is significant among migrant and seasonal farmworkers who seek care at this dental clinic. Recommendations include addressing barriers to care, improved monitoring of dental health conditions, and further research to better document the treatment needs of this population.
Lukes
Sherri M
SM
Dental Hygiene Program, School of Allied Health, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA. smlukes@siu.edu
Simon
Bret
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D002648:Child; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012621:Seasons; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce