Oral Health Status of a Utah Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) Population

Abstract Background: There is a paucity of literature on the state of oral health in the minority populations of Utah. The purpose of this study was to analyze the oral health needs of individuals in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) regions in Utah, many of whom belong to minority groups.Methods: The study was conducted through the use of a retrospective analysis of survey data collected as part of the standard of care from outreach activities of the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Events targeted specific populations with traditionally poor access to oral health care, including low-income, Hispanic, refugee, elderly and rural populations. Dental students conducted clinical exams and oral interviews with each patient; participant responses were entered directly into an online database using REDCap. The data was analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Approval for this retrospective data analysis was obtained from the University of Utah Institutional Review Board.Results: This research identified pervasive treatment needs, with almost half of those studied needing moderate to urgent oral healthcare (49%). This HPSA population (60%) struggles to access appropriate care, with financial barriers being particularly problematic. Important gaps in oral health knowledge also suggest the potential for educational interventions to improve the oral health status of this population.Conclusion: The information provided by this study will allow for the future development of focused strategies in meeting HPSA population’s oral healthcare needs, including targeted seeking of funds for treatment from Federal and State authorities.