top of page
RESEARCH
News & Research.
Learn about oral health equity, public health, and access to care through research and insights developed by members of the Project Smile Global Research Committee.
The Importance of Tailored Oral Health Education for Students, Cultural Groups, and Communities
Oral health education is essential to overall well-being, influencing habits, disease prevention, and quality of life. Early, school-based learning helps build lifelong hygiene practices, while culturally tailored approaches improve accessibility and trust in diverse communities. However, disparities persist due to socioeconomic and geographic barriers. Strengthening education through community programs, policy, and modern tools like digital platforms can promote lasting beha
Oct 3, 20258 min read
FEATURED —
Oral Health Challenges Worldwide: Causes, Treatments, and Inequities in Managing Bruxism, Gingivitis, and Impacted Teeth
Oral health conditions like bruxism, gingivitis, and impacted teeth are common and treatable, yet millions lack access to proper care due to financial, geographic, and educational barriers. While effective treatments exist, underserved communities face higher risks and worse outcomes. These disparities highlight how socioeconomic factors limit access to essential dental and mental health services worldwide.
Aug 1, 20258 min read
Dental Care in Long Term Care Homes
Older adults in long term care homes face a higher risk of poor oral health due to dependence on staff and limited care routines. Common issues include gum disease, tooth loss, and infections, which can worsen overall health and quality of life. Barriers such as staff shortages and lack of training contribute to these disparities. Simple interventions, like daily oral care checklists and regular professional cleanings, can improve hygiene and health outcomes.
Aug 1, 20255 min read
Understanding Dental Cleanings: A Public Health Perspective on Access, Prevention, and Equity
Dental cleanings are key to preventing oral disease, but many children, especially from low income and minority groups, lack access to effective preventive care like fluoride and sealants. While cleanings are common, they often replace more protective treatments, contributing to higher rates of tooth decay. Expanding coverage, improving community programs, and increasing access to evidence based care are essential to reducing these disparities.
Jun 30, 20257 min read
Inequities in Maternal Oral Health and Their Impact from Postpartum to Early Childhood
Pregnant women face increased oral health risks due to hormonal changes, but access to dental care remains unequal. Socioeconomic barriers, limited insurance, and lack of education prevent many from receiving preventive care, leading to poor outcomes for both mothers and children. Addressing these disparities requires improved access, education, and integration of oral health into prenatal care systems.
May 31, 20257 min read
Oral Health and Diabetes: A Bidirectional Connection
Diabetes and oral health are closely linked, with dentists playing a key role in early detection through signs like gum disease and infections. However, limited access to dental care, poor oral health literacy, and food insecurity in underserved communities worsen both diabetes and periodontal disease. Expanding integrated medical-dental care and access is essential to improving outcomes.
Apr 23, 20257 min read
Access to Advanced Dental Technology in Underserved Areas
Advanced dental technologies like CBCT, lasers, and digital scanners improve diagnosis and treatment but are unevenly distributed. Rural and low-income communities face barriers including geographic isolation, high equipment costs, and limited professional training. These gaps reduce access to efficient, high-quality care. Solutions such as mobile dental clinics and teledentistry may help bridge disparities and expand equitable access to modern oral healthcare services.
Jan 27, 20255 min read
Dental Anxiety: Oral Health Disparities and Equity
Dental anxiety is a widespread barrier to oral healthcare influenced by racism, geography, procedure type, and prior experiences. Marginalized racialized communities often experience higher anxiety and lower trust in providers, leading to delayed care and worse outcomes. Geographic differences and treatment norms also shape severity. Coping strategies include education, representation, anesthesia, and relaxation techniques, but access is uneven due to resource and training ga
Dec 4, 20246 min read
Financial Disparities and Instabilities in Dental Care
Oral health disparities are driven by socioeconomic, racial, and insurance-related barriers that limit access to affordable dental care. Low-income, minority, immigrant, rural, and elderly populations are disproportionately affected due to high costs and limited coverage. The blog highlights gaps in policy effectiveness, including limitations in the ACA and Medicaid dental coverage, and emphasizes the need for systemic reform, prevention, education, and expanded access to car
Oct 23, 20246 min read
Geographical Differences in Access to Oral Health Care
Access to oral healthcare varies significantly depending on geography, influenced by dental insurance coverage, workforce distribution, infrastructure, and transportation. Rural and remote regions often face shortages of dental professionals and limited clinic availability, leading to reduced access to preventive and emergency care compared to urban areas. These disparities contribute to unequal oral health outcomes worldwide.
Sep 3, 20246 min read
How Inflation Exacerbates Oral Health Disparities
Inflation affects oral health by increasing everyday costs and reducing disposable income, which leads many households to delay or avoid dental care. Rising prices for essentials, combined with gaps in dental insurance coverage, disproportionately impact low-income groups, widening disparities in access to preventive and necessary oral healthcare and worsening long-term dental outcomes.
Aug 28, 20248 min read
The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Oral Health
Socioeconomic status strongly influences oral health outcomes worldwide, with lower-income populations facing higher rates of dental caries and reduced access to care. Limited access to nutritious food, dental services, and preventive education contributes to these disparities, making individuals with lower SES more vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Jun 30, 20245 min read
bottom of page