Watch the Recording:
More than 85% of veterans are not eligible for dental care through the VA. The inability to centralize care or extend insurance coverage through the VA results in US veterans facing significant barriers to optimal oral health. These obstacles are more pronounced for veterans living in rural areas. A recent manuscript by the American Institute of Dental Public Health published in the Journal of the American College of Dentists outlines results from an analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Result revealed that veterans living in rural areas had poorer oral health outcomes including prevalence of tooth extractions and edentulism. Trends in self-reported mental and physical health indicators will be discussed. Ultimately, veterans deserve accessible and affordable dental care regardless of geographic location.
Learning objectives:
After this session participants will be able to…
- Determine trends in oral health markers and physical outcomes of veterans associated with rurality
- Understand differences in self-reported health and oral health indicators comparing veterans to nonveterans.
- Evaluate opportunities to improve the oral health and wellbeing of veterans through integrated, whole-person health care.
AIDPH is providing 1.0 CEUs for live session participants.
Speakers
Amber Shaver, MS
Biostatistician
Sean Boynes, DDS
President, Dental Medicine Consulting
Annaliese Cothron, DHSc, MS, CPH
Executive Director, AIDPH
