1 - LGBTQ+ individuals have lower levels of trust, respect, & comfortability with their oral health care providers

Abstract:

Objective: To examine the level of trust, respect, and comfortability between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ individuals towards their oral health providers.

Methods: We reviewed data obtained from 5,682 individuals ages 18 and over from the nationally representative State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey designed by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health from January to February 2022. Respondents’ gender identity was categorized based on self-report as LGBTQ+ or non-LGBTQ+. Chi square analyses examined differences between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ respondents on certain sociodemographic variables.

Results: Eleven percent (n=624 of 5,682) of respondents self-identified as LGBTQ+. Compared to non-LGBTQ+ respondents, a smaller percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals strongly or somewhat agreed that they trusted the last oral health provider they saw (85% vs 74.1%, p=0.04), their oral health provider tried to make them feel comfortable and at ease (85.7% vs. 77.5%, p=0.03), and they felt respected by their oral health provider (86% vs. 76%, p=0.03).

Conclusions: LGBTQ+ respondents reported lower levels of trust, respect, and comfortability with their oral health care providers than non-LGBTQ+ respondents. Oral health providers should be aware that individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ may experience these feelings during their oral health visits. Greater cultural competency training and education for dental providers is needed regarding care for the LGBTQ+ community.

Source of Funding: None