Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Faculty Advisor(s)

Amy Mai Tran

Abstract

In 2024, data was collected by the CDC on untreated tooth decay. From that data, children living in low-income households had an estimated 18.8% of tooth decay untreated, almost triple the amount when compared to children from middle to high income households (6.6%). As the income disparity continues to grow in the US, it is critical that we implement strategies to aid lower income communities in providing their children with proper oral hygiene tactics. In order to understand how communities can help promote healthy oral hygiene for their children, a survey of dentists from various areas was conducted to see their perception on oral hygiene for children in their community. Using the research, the objective is to provide insight from dentists on how communities can improve their oral hygiene for their children. In the surveys, they were asked about dental caries, no-shows, reschedules, anxiety, parents' hesitation to pay, and Oregon Health Plan/DentiCal. Along with that they were also asked how their community values the importance of oral hygiene for their children and any additional comments they had. Using the research, the objective is to provide insight from dentists on how communities can improve their oral hygiene for their children. From the data collection, it was evident that children that visited public practices (Oregon Health and Science School of Dentistry) had a much higher rate of caries compared to patients that go to private dental practices. The data along with the comments from the dentists provide insight into how communities, especially parents, have influenced their children’s oral health habits. Using this information many solutions could be made on how dentists and others can help promote the importance of oral healthcare for children.

Comments

Presented at the Spring 2026 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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