Social determinants of health linked with oral health in a representative sample of U.S. adults.

Background: Oral diseases remain a significant public health problem worldwide, with growing gaps in oral health status among various socioeconomic groups. The objective of the current study is to analyze the impact of different social determinants of health (SDOH) on oral health outcomes (frequency of dental visits, self-reported oral health status, embarrassment because of oral health status, and tooth loss) among a representative sample of United States (U.S.

Medical-Dental-Behavioral Integration: Embracing Whole-Person Health in Research and Practice.

The goal of this editorial and following supplement articles is to present different perspectives on the implementation of medical-dental-behavioral integration to provide comprehensive, whole-person care. Through a discussion of barriers to and opportunities that emerge from this type of integrated care, this editorial and supplement provide strong evidence for the importance, feasibility, and necessity of integrated health care and concept of overall health.

Mental Health, Socioeconomic Position, and Oral Health: A Path Analysis.

Introduction: Mental health conditions and poor oral health outcomes share bidirectional links, and both are linked to factors related to socioeconomic position (SEP). We used nationally representative survey data to describe the complex interplay of SEP, mental health, oral health behaviors, dental treatment seeking, and oral health.

Methods: We used data from the 2022 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, which collects data from US adults on prior depression diagnosis and current depressive symptoms via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and demographic characteristics (age, sex/gender, race, ethnicity), SEP (education, income, employment, home ownership, dental insurance), oral health behaviors (brushing and flossing frequency), dental treatment seeking (time since last visit, plans for visit in the coming year), and self-rated oral health (feeling self-conscious due to poor oral health, having symptoms of poor oral health).

Teledentistry utilization by oral health professionals and policy considerations: A mixed methods case study.

Objectives: To examine variations in the delivery of teledentistry after the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore oral health professionals' utilization of various teledentistry modes of delivery.

Methods: In this mixed methods case study, we collected teledentistry claims data from patient electronic health records (n = 78,756) encompassing various types of teledentistry utilization in clinical settings and through community outreach from a Dental Support Organization (DSO) in Oregon from January 2021 to November 2022. We analyzed the patient demographic and claims data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses to identify patterns of teledentistry service delivery.

Dental anxiety and oral health in American Indian and Alaska natives.

Objective: American Indian and Alaska native (AI/AN) individuals report distrust of the healthcare system. This study explored associations between having either high levels of dental distrust or high levels of dental care-related fear and anxiety ("dental anxiety") and oral health outcomes in AI/AN adults.

Methods: The 2022 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and asked to what extent respondents agreed with the statement, "At my last oral health visit, I trusted the oral health provider I saw", and asked about self-rated oral health and presence of a dental home.