66 - An Analysis of Veterans' Oral Health Outcomes by Income and Rurality

Abstract:

Objectives: Oral health disparities disproportionately affect veterans' dental care access. Over 85% of veterans are ineligible for dental care as part of their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Veterans are overrepresented in rural areas, faced with health inequalities, high oral disease burden, and worse barriers to dental care than their urban-dwelling counterparts. This study examines oral and physical health outcomes of veterans, comparing differences by rurality and income levels.

Methods: Data were obtained from a survey of active duty and separated veterans (n=2025) fielded in the Fall of 2021. Respondents self-reported oral health status, income, location, and dental care utilization. Results were analyzed descriptively, and bivariate analyses were conducted. Indicators were visualized by geographic location to graphically represent trends by state and region.

Results: 87% of respondents had at least one negative oral health indicator, with a significantly higher prevalence in rural veterans. Rural veterans reported poorer oral health, lesser incomes, and higher out-of-pocket costs for dental care than their urban counterparts. Geographic trends revealed higher rates of oral disease in states with lower median household incomes and greater proportions of rural veterans; however, high oral disease burden persisted nationwide.

Conclusions: Survey results reveal lack of access to dental care and poor insurance coverage, disproportionately affecting rural and low-income veterans. Future research should focus on the drivers of inequitable oral health among rural veterans especially. Health systems should prioritize infrastructure in rural areas to increase access points. Policymakers should prioritize expanding eligibility requirements for dental care and coverage through the VA.

Source of Funding: The American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.