Giving Policy Some Teeth: Routes To Reducing Disparities In Oral Health

Despite improvements in oral health status and clear links between oral and systemic health, oral health is not accorded the same importance in health care policy as is general health. This review of oral health disparities over the life span documents the results of this inequity. Dental concerns a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Affairs 2008-03, Vol.27 (2), p.404-412
Main Authors: Fisher-Owens, Susan A, Barker, Judith C, Adams, Sally, Chung, Lisa H, Gansky, Stuart A, Hyde, Susan, Weintraub, Jane A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chronic illnesses
Dental care
Dental insurance
Dental schools
Dental service
Health care
Health care policy
Health policy
Hispanic Americans
Low income groups
Minority & ethnic groups
Older people
Oral diseases
Poverty
Teeth
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Summary:Despite improvements in oral health status and clear links between oral and systemic health, oral health is not accorded the same importance in health care policy as is general health. This review of oral health disparities over the life span documents the results of this inequity. Dental concerns and unmet dental treatment needs, especially among vulnerable populations, are not well addressed in oral health policies. We offer examples of discrepancies between policy and needs and examples of successful interventions that integrate oral health care with informed policy. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0278-2715
1544-5208
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.27.2.404