The role of non-dental health professionals in providing access to dental care for low-income and minority patients.
The disadvantaged suffer disproportionately from dental problems. These persons are more likely to have untreated oral health problems and associated pain, and also are more likely to forego dental treatment even when in pain. There has been increased emphasis on the potential role of physicians in alleviating oral health disparities, especially among children. In addition, many adults lacking access to traditional dental services seek care and consultation from hospital emergency departments, physicians, and pharmacists. The delivery of oral health care services by non-dental health professionals may assume increasing importance as the population continues to age and becomes more diverse. This is because, in general, the elderly and ethnic and racial minorities face significant economic barriers to accessing private dental services.
Cohen
Leonard A
LA
Department of Health Promotion and Policy, Division of Health Services Research, University of Maryland Dental School, 650 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. lacohen@umaryland.edu
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics*; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000191:economics; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008913:Minority Groups; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011203:Poverty; D014098:Toothache / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations