scholarly journals Determinants of Dental Care Attendance during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 139-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Schaia Rocha ◽  
Letícia Yumi Arima ◽  
Renata Iani Werneck ◽  
Samuel Jorge Moysés ◽  
Márcia Helena Baldani

Despite the fact that dental care attendance during pregnancy has been recommended by guidelines and institutions, the demand for dental services is still low among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the determinants of dental care attendance during pregnancy. We performed a systematic literature search in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Medline using relevant keywords. Studies were filtered by publication year (2000-2016) and language (English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French). The included studies were assessed for quality. Their characteristics and statistically significant factors were reported. Fourteen papers were included in the review. The prevalence of dental service usage during pregnancy ranged from 16 to 83%. Demographic factors included women's age, marital status, parity, and nationality. The socioeconomic factors were income, educational level, and type of health insurance. Many psychological and behavioral factors played a role, including oral health practices, oral health and pregnancy beliefs, and health care maintenance. Referred symptoms of gingivitis, dental pain, or dental problems were perceived need. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychological, behavioral factors and perceived need were associated with the utilization of dental services during pregnancy. More well-designed studies with reliable outcomes are required to confirm the framework described in this review.

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Goode ◽  
Ha Hoang ◽  
Leonard Crocombe

Objectives The poor oral health of Australians experiencing homelessness negatively affects their quality of life. Better oral health is associated with having annual dental check-ups. Because there is limited peer-reviewed literature describing strategies that improve access to and uptake of dental care by homeless people, in this study we searched the grey literature to discover what strategies are used. Methods The Informit database and Google and Bing search engines were searched using the keywords ‘homeless and oral and dental services’. Bing and Google were searched unrestricted by site and Google was searched for sites ending in ‘org.au’. Searches were restricted to Australia from June 2008 to June 2018. The first 300 websites were read, and those describing or linking to pages describing a strategy that improved access to or uptake of dental care were included in the study. The content of the webpages was evaluated and summarised, with common strategies reported as a narrative description. Results Nineteen programs were described. Common strategies were providing free care, in-reach care, outreach care and the need to work closely with support organisations. Conclusions To improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness, dental services need to be free and organised in collaboration with support organisations. What is known about the topic? The peer-reviewed literature describing strategies used to improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness in Australia is limited. The authors could only locate two such studies, one based in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. Both programs had a similar aim, but used different strategies to achieve it, suggesting a lack of consensus about the best way to encourage dental visiting by people experiencing homelessness. What does this paper add? This paper used the grey literature to describe common strategies used in Australia to improve access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness. What are the implications for practitioners? Dental service providers aiming to increase access to and uptake of dental care by people experiencing homelessness need to work collaboratively with support organisations and provide care free of charge.


Author(s):  
Justyna Opydo-Szymaczek ◽  
Maria Borysewicz-Lewicka ◽  
Kinga Andrysiak ◽  
Zuzanna Witkowska ◽  
Alicja Hoffmann-Przybylska ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the occurrence of the consequences of dental caries and factors affecting dental service utilization in a population of 7-year-old children. The research included oral examination of 7-year-old schoolchildren and socio-medical study of their parents/legal caregivers. It was carried out in five primary schools of two provinces, i.e., Greater Poland and Lubusz. Dental examination was performed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The socio-medical study consisted of questionnaires with close-ended questions concerning socioeconomic characteristics of the family, reasons and time of the last visit at the dental office, consequences of child’s oral health problems, parents’ attitude towards dental visits, and parental opinion about their child’s teeth. Factors affecting utilization of dental services were statistically analyzed using univariate logistic regression assuming p < 0.05. The pufa index of examined children ranged from 0 to 7 (mean 0.80 ± 1.49), while the dmf index ranged from 0 to 14 (3.86 ± 3.32). Low financial burden of oral health expenditures and university education of at least one of the parents significantly increased the chance of visiting a dentist despite lack of pain (OR = 3.0 and 2.5, respectively). In spite of the availability of free dental care for children, socioeconomic factors still determine the utilization of dental services in Poland. Poor oral health status of examined population and negligence of regular dental check-ups emphasize a need to strengthen oral health literacy of parents and children, promoting proper attitudes towards dental care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-326
Author(s):  
Mithun BH Pai ◽  
Ashwini Rao ◽  
Sumeet Bhatt ◽  
Guru R Rajesh ◽  
Vijayendra Nayak

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing the oral health and utilization patterns of oral health services by fishermen community in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods A house-to-house survey was conducted among 840 individuals in fishermen population. Oral health status was evaluated by employing the World Health Organization basic oral health survey form. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patterns of utilization of dental services and their sociodemographic details. Results Mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of the population was 3.78 ± 6.02 and prevalence of caries and periodontal conditions was 55 and 99% respectively. About 55% participants had never visited a dentist. Age, gender, and education of the respondents showed significant associations with DMFT status. Periodontal health showed significant association with age, gender, education, and income of the respondents. Visit to the dentist was associated with age, gender, education, and dental caries. The major barrier recognized in seeking dental care was the perception of not having any dental problem. Conclusion The dental care utilization was poor, and majority of the dental visits were for tooth extraction. Lack of perceived oral health care need was the main barrier to the utilization of dental services. Clinical significance The fishing population had high dental caries and poor periodontal health due to low utilization of dental care. How to cite this article Bhatt S, Rajesh GR, Rao A, Shenoy R, Pai MBH, Nayak V. Factors influencing Oral Health and Utilization of Oral Health Care in an Indian Fishing Community, Mangaluru City, India. World J Dent 2017;8(4):321-326.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ola Mousa ◽  
Asmaa Hamed ◽  
Norah Al Omar

Good oral health during pregnancy can possibly reduce complications and this will improve the quality of life of the pregnant woman. In addition, this will prevent the risk of the child to develop early childhood dental caries in the future. The main objective of this study was to determine if there is an association existingbetween the level of knowledge on oral health and utilization of dental services among pregnant women. Furthermore, the study determined the (a) proportion among pregnant women who had high level of knowledge regarding dental careduring pregnancy, (b) proportion of pregnant women who ever visited the dentist during pregnancy, (c) proportions of expecting women who are regularly brushing her teeth and whouses dental floss during pregnancy, and (d) factors that hinders the expecting women from visiting the dentist during pregnancy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at El Minia University Maternal and Child Health Hospital, El Minia, Egypt. A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 200 expectant mothers, approached 156 out of them returned completed questionnaires, representing a response rate of 78%. Results revealed that: (a) nearly 65% of pregnant mothers had a high level of poor knowledge regarding dental care during pregnancy, (b) roughly 24% of pregnant women ever visited the dentist during pregnancy, (c) about 80% and 43% of expecting women regularly brush their teeth at least twice per day and use dental floss during pregnancy, respectively, and (d) among the factors that hinder the expecting women from visiting the dentist during pregnancy include having no time to visit, the consultation cost, fear and anxiety about the procedure, long waiting time, transportation problem and the idea of not needing the dental care. Moreover, the results showed that there was no sufficient evidence to say that the level of knowledge regarding dental service during pregnancy is associated with the utilization of dental service during pregnancy (Pearson Chi-square p-value = .160). The study concludes that health promotion on oral care during prenatal visits should address the mythologies and misconceptions among pregnant women. Therefore, healthcare providers should raise awareness among expectant mothers about giving special attention to oral health needs due to the higher risk of oral diseases that may affect pregnancy and the child inside the womb.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Gao ◽  
Xiangqun Ju ◽  
Lisa Jamieson

Abstract Background Oral health during pregnancy is vital for both mother and child. Indigenous Australians face many barriers in accessing dental care. Service approachability is one of the key domains in accessing health services. There is little empirical evidence of the association between service approachability and dental care attendance or oral health outcome. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dental service approachability on dental care attendance and self-reported gum disease among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child. Methods Four hundred and twenty-seven women pregnant with an Aboriginal child completed questionnaires in both metropolitan and regional health settings in South Australia in 2011. Four variables related to approachability of dental services: (1) perception of need; (2) service-related health literacy; (3) oral health beliefs and; (4) trust and expectation of dental service. The association between service approachability-related factors, dental utilisation and self-reported gum disease during pregnancy were assessed using Generalised Poisson regression models, after adjusting for age, remoteness, employment status and education. Estimates were presented as adjusted prevalence ratios (APR). Results Most participants (85.8%) reported a need for dental care, had positive oral health beliefs (88.3%) and had expectations towards dental care (86.2%). Dental service utilisation during pregnancy was low (35.7%). Many participants (78.0%) expressed knowing what to do if they needed dental care, while most (39.8%) doubted that dental care would be available the next day. Poor health service literacy was identified as a risk factor for non-optimal dental attendance (APR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.74–0.99). Perceived need for dental care was positively associated with self-reported gum disease (APR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.06–1.45). Conclusion Inability to navigate the dental care system was a risk factor for poor dental attendance among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child. Perceived need for dental care was associated with gum disease.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Gao ◽  
Xiangqun Ju ◽  
Lisa Jamieson

Abstract Background Oral health during pregnancy is vital for both mother and child. Indigenous Australians face many barriers in accessing dental care. Service approachability is one of the key domains in accessing health services. There is little empirical evidence of the association between service approachability and dental care attendance or oral health outcome. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dental service approachability on dental care attendance and self-reported gum disease among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child.Methods Four hundred and twenty-seven women pregnant with an Aboriginal child completed questionnaires in both metropolitan and regional health settings in South Australia in 2011. Four variables related to approachability of dental services: (1) perception of need; (2) service-related health literacy; (3) oral health beliefs and; (4) trust and expectation of dental service. The association between service approachability-related factors, dental utilisation and self-reported gum disease during pregnancy were assessed using Generalised Poisson regression models, after adjusting for age, remoteness, employment status and education. Estimates were presented as adjusted prevalence ratios (APR).Results Most participants (85.8%) reported a need for dental care, had positive oral health beliefs (88.3%) and had expectations towards dental care (86.2%). Dental service utilisation during pregnancy was low (35.7%). Many participants (78.0%) expressed knowing what to do if they needed dental care, while most (39.8%) doubted that dental care would be available the next day. Poor health service literacy was identified as a risk factor for non-optimal dental attendance (APR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99). Perceived need for dental care was positively associated with self-reported gum disease (APR= 1.24 95%CI 1.06-1.45).Conclusion Inability to navigate the dental care system was a risk factor for poor dental attendance among South Australian women pregnant with an Aboriginal child. Perceived need for dental care was associated with gum disease.


Author(s):  
Ina Nitschke ◽  
Sebastian Hahnel ◽  
Julia Jockusch

The aim is to analyze protective and modifying factors (e.g., vulnerability, resilience, sense of coherence) in relation to the utilization of dental services by seniors at different levels of the healthcare system. Terminological imprecision in the use and transfer of existing terms (sense of coherence, resilience, salutogenesis) to gerodontology is clarified. Factors influencing a reduced utilization (static/dynamic factors) can occur isolated or in combination and, thus, model the risk of a reduced utilization of dental services (influencing-factor mechanism). Protective factors of utilization include patient-specific factors for self-motivation and factors that promote oral-health-related resilience. Resistance forces that counteract can be identified as oral-health-related resilience factors. Achieving social and individual appreciation and establishing a prevention-oriented approach to utilization will be increasingly challenging, since the population is becoming older and access is not equal in terms of opportunity. Resistance forces need to be strengthened in an ethical context. Studies should increasingly present resilience processes, determinants and modes of action at the various interfaces in the healthcare system, which can ensure sustainable medical care in old age. The concepts conveyed here are generally valid and able to point out inequalities and ageism in access to dental services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 799-800
Author(s):  
Bei Wu ◽  
Stephen Shuman ◽  
Elisa Ghezzi

Abstract Oral health status and dental care utilization is strongly associated with social and behavioral factors and health outcomes. The five papers in this symposium address how several of these factors affect oral health and dental care among diverse groups of older adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the first paper examined the impact of early childhood disadvantages on oral health in later life among adults age 51 and above in the U.S. The second paper used large-scale epidemiological data that addressed the relationship between acculturation and subsequent oral health problems. It also tested the moderating role of neighborhood disorder in such a relationship among older Chinese Americans. The third paper demonstrated the importance of examining different pathways among foreign-born and native-born Chinese older adults with regard to offspring’s support on their oral health outcomes. While increasing evidence shows that cognitive function is associated with oral health, limited studies have been conducted to examine the impact of cognitive impairment, e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementias (RD), on dental care utilization and costs in older adults. The fourth paper aimed to address this knowledge gap. Results showed that AD and RD had different impacts on different types of dental care utilization and costs. The fifth paper further displayed that individuals with cognitive impairment face a significant challenge in handling dental-related medications. This symposium provides policy and clinical implications on improving oral health and dental care utilization among older adults in the U.S. Oral Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.


2021 ◽  
pp. 238008442110285
Author(s):  
H. Lee ◽  
E. Tranby ◽  
L. Shi

Objectives: This study aimed to update dental service utilization during pregnancy and to evaluate whether there are persistent disparities in dental care during pregnancy by race/ethnicity and Medicaid status. Methods: This retrospective secondary data analysis examined dental service utilization during and prior to pregnancy and met dental or oral health needs using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data sets on 75,876 women between 2012 and 2015. Results: Only about half of the women (51.7%) reported that they had at least 1 dental visit for cleaning during their most recent pregnancy. One of 5 women (19.7%) experienced dental problems during pregnancy, and 34.4% of these women did not visit dentists to address the problems. Non-Hispanic Black women had 14% lower odds of visiting dentists for cleaning during pregnancy compared to non-Hispanic White women (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.92). There was no difference in dental visits prior to pregnancy between non-Hispanic Black and White women. Women enrolled in Medicaid showed significantly lower odds of visiting dentists for cleaning during pregnancy compared to women covered by private health insurance (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.52–0.58). Conclusion for Practice: Oral health, as an integral part of primary care, needs to be included in the standard prenatal care through oral health education and timely dental care during pregnancy. With mounting evidence of persisting disparities in dental service utilization during pregnancy, both public and private prenatal programs and policies should address specific barriers in accessing and using dental care during pregnancy, especially for women from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The current study updated the previous findings with more recent multiyear PRAMS data (2012–2015) and found the Black-White disparity and disparity among Medicaid-enrolled women in visiting dentists during pregnancy persist. The results of this study can be used by policymakers and practitioners to integrate oral health into prenatal care for pregnant women from marginalized backgrounds to achieve oral health parity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Tranby ◽  
Julie Frantsve-Hawley ◽  
Myechia Minter-Jordan ◽  
James Thommes ◽  
Matt Jacob ◽  
...  

Background: Life course theory creates a better framework to understand how oral health needs and challenges align with specific phases of the lifespan, care models, social programs, and changes in policy. Methods): Data are from the 2018 IBM Watson Multi-State Medicaid Marketscan Database (31 million claims) and the 2018 IBM Watson Dental Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Claims Database (45 million claims). Analysis compares per enrollee spending fee-for-service dental claims and medical spending on dental care from ages 0 to 89. Results: Dental utilization and spending are lower during the first 4 years of life and in young adulthood than in other periods of life. Stark differences in the timing, impact, and severity of caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer are seen between those enrolled in Medicaid and commercial dental plans. Early childhood caries and oral cancer occur more frequently and at younger ages in Medicaid populations. Conclusions: This unique lifespan analysis of the U.S. multi-payer dental care system demonstrates the complexities of the current dental service environment and a lack of equitable access to oral healthcare. Practical Implications: Health policies should be focused on optimizing care delivery to provide effective preventive care at specific stages of the lifespan.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document