| 2758 Oral Health Status of Immigrants in Ohio: A Pilot Study | ||
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H. AMINI1, J. PRICE1, and P. CASAMASSIMO2, 1Ohio State University, USA, 2Ohio State University, Columbus, USA OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral health status of a group of immigrants residing in Central Ohio. METHODS: In 2006, oral health screenings were performed on a convenience sample of immigrants (n=80) enrolled in adult literacy programs at multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio. RESULTS: Overall, 71% had at least 1 untreated decayed tooth, 48% had at least 1 existing restoration, 53% had at least 1 missing tooth due to decay, 76% had some evidence of gum disease, and 14% had injury to a front tooth. Twenty four percent were in need of immediate dental care and 53% were in need of early or non-urgent dental care. Only 30% had been to a dentist within the past year and 34% had never been to a dentist. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall decline in dental caries over the past 30 years, the prevalence of dental caries remains high in certain segments of population such as immigrants and refugees. Therefore, there is a need to develop and implement accessible and affordable oral health prevention and treatment programs for these populations.
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| Seq #285 - Epidemiology 10:45 AM-12:00 PM, Saturday, March 24, 2007 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Exhibit Hall I2-J | ||
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