Factors associated with reported need for dental care among people who are homeless using assistance programs.
A retrospective secondary data analysis of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients database was conducted to identify the demographic characteristics and correlates associated with reported need for dental care among people who are homeless in the United States. Overall, 10% of people who were homeless reported that dental care was their most needed service. Of these, 17% had a dental visit within the previous 12 months, 52% were racial/ethnic minorities, 76% lived in a central city, and 26% were veterans. The unadjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care was highest among veterans who were homeless and those whose last dental visit occurred more than 12 months ago. Compared to nonveterans who were homeless, veterans had twice the adjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care. The adjusted odds for reporting a need for dental care were lowest for those with dental insurance. Evaluation of the data suggests that dental insurance was associated with reporting lower need for dental care. Veterans who were homeless reported higher odds for dental care. Strengthening existing oral health-care programs sensitive to the needs of people who are homeless may improve their oral health and reduce their dental-disease-related morbidity.
Okunseri
Christopher
C
Department of Clinical Services, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. christopher.okunseri@mu.edu
Girgis
Dina
D
Self
Karl
K
Jackson
Scott
S
McGinley
Emily L
EL
Tarima
Sergey S
SS
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D013383:Suburban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult