The oral health status of adolescents in northern Manhattan

Objectives. This study was designed to describe the oral health status of adolescents residing in northern Manhattan. Methods. Clinical, demographic, and behavioral data were collected from 3,282 youths who ranged in age from 12 to 16 years. Clinical examinations were performed by two trained examiners. Demographic and behavioral data were self-reported. Results. The adolescents were predominantly Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American (94%), with 6% falling into other racial categories. Caries were discovered in a significant proportion of these youths (52% of Hispanics, 54% of Blacks and 54% of others). Despite similar caries experiences, the oral health disease burden was not evenly distributed across groups. In many cases, Hispanic youths demonstrated less disease and more frequent engagement in oral health promoting behaviors than their non-Hispanic peers. Gender differences were less consistent. Conclusions. Economically disadvantaged and minority youths, such as those residing in northern Manhattan, continue to be unduly burdened by untreated dental disease. Further, our data suggest that certain subpopulations may be particularly vulnerable to dental disease. This vulnerability underscores the need for accessible services addressing the oral health needs of these segments of the population. Finally, effective community-based oral disease prevention and health promotion programs are sorely needed to improve these youths' oral health.