Self-reported oral health needs and dental-care seeking behavior among women who use methamphetamine.

This study describes the prevalence of self-reported oral health needs and dental care-seeking behavior among women who use methamphetamine, using respondent-driven sampling in San Francisco, California, from 2007 to 2009 (N = 322). The sample had a high prevalence of self-reported dental needs; however, a low proportion of those reporting needs sought care. In bivariate analysis, the preferred route of methamphetamine use and frequency were not associated with self-reported dental needs. Over 90% of the sample used illicit substances in addition to methamphetamine, which may limit our ability to detect an association between methamphetamine use and oral health needs.