Barriers to Dental Care Access in Minority Communities

This poster presentation examines the persistent oral health disparities affecting African American children in the United States. Drawing from four key sources, including CDC reports and cohort studies, the paper analyzes the prevalence of these disparities, explores contributing factors, and discusses strategies for addressing this public health issue. Findings indicate that African American children consistently experience higher rates of untreated dental caries and tooth decay compared to their white counterparts, with disparities persisting across different age groups. The research identifies structural, sociocultural, and familial factors contributing to these disparities and emphasizes the significant role of social determinants of health. Proposed interventions include improving access to care, addressing sociocultural factors, supporting families, strengthening the healthcare system, and implementing policy-level changes. The research concludes that a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary to achieve oral health equity for African American children.