Method: The CHWs used a 15-item self-administered risk assessment instrument (RAI) to collect data. The RAI was designed to evaluate current oral health needs, oral health behaviors, oral health habits, and access to dental care. Data was coded, entered in EXCEL and analyzed using SAS statistical software.
Result: Data was available for 78 pregnant teens. The mean age of the sample was 17±1.2 years. Almost 72% reported to brush less than twice a day, 58% flossed less than three times a week, and almost 37% drank more than two soft or sports drinks a day. When asked to rate their oral health, almost 23% rated their current health of teeth and gums to be poor, and 17% reported to have untreated dental caries. Almost 1 in 4 pregnant teens reported to have not visited a dentist in the last year. At least 6 out of every 10 pregnant teens were identified to have oral health needs that needed to be addressed by a dental professional.
Conclusion: Oral health needs among pregnant teens from this South Florida underserved community is high. Lack of access to dental care is highly prevalent in this underserved community. CHWs can be used as an alternative source to assess oral health needs of underserved communities.