Insights into Hispanics Understanding of Oral Health Care

Last year I co-hosted an interview on the Chicas Chatting show with Dr. Victor Rodriguez, the 2010 President of the Hispanic Dental Association.  Dr. Rodriguez discussed the correlation between diabetes and dental care among the Hispanic community.  During the interview he answered listeners’ questions about proper dental care and the importance to teach young children about oral health.  Given the amount of questions that were being submitted by listeners across the country (especially by Hispanic mothers) I quickly realized that there was a need for information amongst the Hispanic community about dental care and health.

A recent national survey led by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and sponsored by Crest and Oral-B found that, when compared to the general population, many Hispanics in the U.S. are facing barriers to achieving better oral health. Given that U.S. Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and (although 67% of U.S. Hispanics rate their overall health as excellent or good), two-thirds have experienced at least one oral health issue in the past year.  This does indicate that U.S. Hispanics have significant oral health challenges to address.

Growing up proper dental care was of great importance to my parents.  I can still hear the reminders from my parents to brush my teeth in the morning, before bedtime, after meals and to floss.  Part of the reason that dental care was part of my foundation was because we had easy access to dental and medical care.  With my father being a union executive part of his benefits was access to a union medical center that housed physicians, specialists and dentists in one convenient location in New York.  I enjoyed taking a trip to the medical center since I received a lot of attention because I was among the youngest dependents that received care at the center.  The dentists would put up the names of children who had no cavities at the opening of the dental offices and would often give special treats as rewards.  I recall dentists singing and making funny jokes while I was sitting in the dentist chair so I wouldn’t be scared of a dental visit.  Due to my parents’ diligence and sweet dental care by the dentists at the medical center I have never had a cavity. 


Some of the startling revelations for me from the study were the following:

• Approximately 16 million Hispanics adults do not have access to dental insurance
• Many Hispanics simply do not consider dental visits a priority
• Hispanics have many misconceptions about oral health
• Knowledge gaps (oral health literacy), high cost (access to affordable care and insurance) and language/culture differences (Hispanic/Spanish-speaking dental health professionals) represent top barriers to many Hispanics

Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a compensated campaign with Procter & Gamble and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.