UB dental professor uncovers barriers to adolescent oral health care
Adolescent oral health remains a growing challenge in the United States, with recent research from the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Dental Medicine uncovering why teenagers are more likely to miss dental visits and experience tooth decay compared with younger children.
The study, led by Rubelisa Oliveira, DDS, assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, reveals that despite living in the same households and sharing similar socioeconomic conditions, adolescents ages 12–17 consistently show worse oral health outcomes than their younger siblings. Nationally, nearly 60% of adolescents have untreated tooth decay, according to federal data—a disparity that disproportionately impacts Hispanic and Black youth.
Financial, emotional, and logistical barriers
Dr. Oliveira and her interdisciplinary team reviewed 7,379 dental visits at UB Dental between 2018 and 2023. They found that adolescents accounted for 24% of missed appointments, the highest of any age group. Instead of blaming families, Oliveira emphasizes that these missed visits are often the result of systemic barriers.
Key findings include:
- Dental anxiety: Over 60% of both caregivers and adolescents reported elevated dental anxiety, with anxious caregivers nearly four times more likely to have anxious adolescents.
- Coverage confusion: Many parents were unaware that children over age 12 remain eligible for Medicaid dental benefits, particularly in households where English is not the primary language.
- Competing priorities: Families struggling with housing, food insecurity, or transportation often place oral health on the back burner.
Community‑based solutions
To create more effective strategies, the research used Community Engagement (CE) Studio, a model that involves community members—referred to as “community experts”—to provide direct feedback on tools and interventions.
Dr. Oliveira’s team recommends:
- Offering family‑wide appointments to reduce scheduling barriers.
- Simplifying Medicaid eligibility explanations in multiple languages.
- Providing dedicated staff to help families navigate the healthcare system.
The study also found that adolescents often resist dental care after negative or anxiety‑inducing experiences, underscoring the need for a more supportive environment.
Beyond the clinic
The UB team is now collaborating with middle and high schools in Buffalo and Niagara County to expand dental screenings and education. They are also exploring training programs for school nurses to help identify oral health issues early and connect students with care.
“Adolescents are often overlooked in oral health strategies, yet this is a critical stage when lifelong behaviors are formed,” said Oliveira. “This isn’t just about getting more adolescents into the dental chair—it’s about building systems that support their health in the community.”
The findings, published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry and the International Journal of Dentistry, highlight the urgent need for holistic solutions that address financial, emotional, and cultural barriers to oral healthcare.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW Dental News Pakistan WhatsApp Channel for trusted healthcare updates, expert insights, clinical research, policy news, and dental breakthroughs—delivered directly to you.