Utilization of Oral Healthcare Among Uninsured Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

BACKGROUND

Accessibility to dental care is vital for uninsured low-income individuals. There is a deficit of research that examines oral healthcare seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic among uninsured low-income individuals. The purpose of this study is to describe oral health-related issues among patients of a free clinic that does not provide dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The sample consists of 254 patients of a free clinic located in the Intermountain West. Data were collected by distributing self-administered paper surveys to patients 18 or older who spoke English and/or Spanish from December 2021 to May 2022.

RESULTS

Nearly 40% of study participants reported being long overdue for dental appointments, with many not receiving care within the past two years (n = 96, 37.8%). Less than 30% of free clinic patients had a dental appointment within the past six months (n = 73, 28.9%). Cost is the most substantial barrier for free clinic patients to receive dental care (n = 150, 60%).

CONCLUSION

This study's findings bridge the research gap on dental care experience during the pandemic among uninsured populations and are helpful in increasing knowledge for improving access to dental care at free clinics.