Oral health status and dental service utilization of persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer in Iowa City

The oral health of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community has often been overlooked, with little research documenting its oral health characteristics. This study explored dental service utilization and oral health status of people who identify as LGBTQ in Iowa City. Our study is the first to look at oral health outcomes among LGBT individuals in Iowa City, specifically to those in the University of Iowa community.

Access to dental services is critical to promoting good oral health outcomes. Regular use of preventive dental services leads to better oral health outcomes. Various studies have pointed to the relationship between access to dental care and oral health outcomes. Poor oral health harms overall wellbeing and productivity.

The study assessed two outcomes, which were perceived oral health status and dental service utilization. The study shows that oral health outcomes among sexual minorities is affected by other social determinants such as race, age, income, education and insurance benefit. Having a higher income, being white, and being heterosexual were all associated with a higher chance of having visited a dentist in the past year.

Thus, interventions to improve oral health outcomes among the LGBTQ community should also consider the social determinants of health.