Periodontal Health and the Perception of Treatment Versus Actual Treatment Needs Based on NHANES 2003-2004

Date

2009-05-01

Authors

Hinson, Amanda M.

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Abstract

Periodontal disease is a silent and neglected epidemic which is in the spotlight of health disparities of the US. The aim is to determine trends of periodontal disease and patients’ perceived need of periodontal treatment versus the reality of treatment needs based on NHANES 2003-2004 data. Datasets were merged, analyzed and reported utilizing demographic information, periodontal examination and oral health questionnaire. Non- Hispanic Whites have the highest frequencies of periodontal disease rather than the previously highest Non-Hispanic Blacks. Based on perception of treatment needs 35.62% believed they did not need treatment when clinical findings indicated a need for NSPT, whereas only 12.23% perceived they needed NSPT which coincided with clinical findings.

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