López AN, Mutis MJ, Morón EM, Beltrán-Aguilar ED, Borrell LN. Oral health inequities: Recommended public policies to achieve health equity.
J Dent Educ 2022;
86:1242-1248. [PMID:
36165261 DOI:
10.1002/jdd.13071]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the United States (US), racial and ethnic minority populations experience poorer oral health than the general population. Social and commercial determinants of health embedded in structural and institutional racism and/or discrimination generate and exacerbate oral health inequities. We provide examples of oral health disparities (including oral health status and workforce issues) among selected racial and ethnic minority groups in the US. In addition, we compiled four priority areas based on research over the last two decades to guide actions to improve oral health equity. These four priority areas aim to improve health care models, interventions, and policies to help close gaps and reduce disparities in oral health and access to dental care.
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