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

Authors :: Tiwari T
Wright CD
Heaton LJ
Santoro M
Tranby EP
Source :: Journal of public health dentistry [J Public Health Dent] 2024 Jul 02. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 02.
Publication Year :: 2024
Publisher :: Ahead of Print
Abstract: 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.<br />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.<br />Results: AI/AN individuals (N = 564) who reported low dental trust (n = 110) or with high dental anxiety (MDAS≥19; n = 113) reported significantly worse overall and oral health and were significantly less likely to have a dental home (p < 0.05 used for each analysis).<br />Conclusion: Dental distrust and dental anxiety can significantly impact oral health and dental utilization in AI/AN communities and are important intervention targets to improve AI/AN oral health.<br /> (© 2024 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.)