The Influence of Social Determinants on Pediatric Oral Health

Objectives: To explore associations between social determinants of pediatric oral health (SDOH) and the need for advanced stage dental care (pulp therapy and/or extractions). Methods: Utilizing a convenience sample, this cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of UIC dental patients aged 3-17 years at initial or recall visits. Study participants completed a SDOH questionnaire and consented to a patient chart review to obtain certain oral health indicators. Using the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks & Experiences (PRAPARE) methodology, a SDOH risk tally score was computed per patient. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, correlation, and logistic regression models were conducted via SPSS. Results: There were 99 children evaluated [Age-Mean(SD)=6.6(2.5);Male=54%]. There was no correlation between SDOH risk tally scores and the need for advanced dental care. However, the relationship between two SDOH and the need for advanced dental care approached significance (housing insecurity, food insecurity). The relationship between age and need for advanced stage dental care was significant, and increased age was found to be protective against children’s need for advanced stage dental care. Conclusions: Children's need for advanced stage dental care was not associated with SDOH risk tally scores. Further research may be helpful with the goal of increasing sample size and delving into the SDOH of housing insecurity and food insecurity, which may be indicators for advanced dental problems in children.