Objectives: We conducted a large cross-sectional study of 1,669 Haitian (H), Chinese (C), Asian Indian (AI), West Indian (WI), Dominican (D), Puerto Rican (PR), and Other Hispanic (OH) immigrants in New York City to examine the association between immigrant status and dental caries experience. Methods: Individuals aged 18-65, born outside the US were recruited through community-based organizations. Comprehensive oral examinations and interviews were conducted. Multiple regression models were performed to assess differences in dental caries experience among ethnic groups. Proportional odds models were conducted to compute odds ratios (ORs) for having a higher level of dental caries in relation to length of stay in the US and age at immigration. Results: The mean DMFS, adjusted for age and sex, ranged from 22.79 (SD=1.60) among AI to 43.58 (SD=1.72) among OH; DFS ranged from 5.70 (SD=0.62) among H to 16.43 (SD=0.80) among OH, mean # of missing teeth (MS) ranged from 14.41 (SD=1.59) among C to 25.90 (SD=1.70) among PR; %D/DFS ranged from 18% to 58% among PR and H respectively. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, knowledge, attitudes, practices and co-morbidities variables as well as immigration status there were significant differences among the groups on dental caries experience (all p<.01); Hispanics subgroups had higher DMFS, DFS and missing teeth, whereas non Hispanic subgroups exhibited higher unmet need. Those with longer length of stay were more likely to have higher DFS (ORs= 1.04-1.83), and lower %DS/DFS (ORs=0.69-0.35). Those older at immigration were more likely to exhibit higher DMFS (ORs= 1.97-2.06) and MS (ORs=2.40-3.72).Conclusions: Country of origin and length of stay are predictors of dental caries experience even after adjusting for multiple commonly associated risk factors. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of culture and ethnicity in dental caries experience.
Supported by NIH/NIDCR grant no. R03 DE- 016864.