Racial inequalities in public dental service utilization: Exploring individual and contextual determinants among middle-aged Brazilian adults

Objectives To investigate differences between Pardos (mixed) and Blacks with their White counterparts in the use of public dental service among a sample of Brazilian adults taking into consideration the role of individual and contextual characteristics. Methods A total of 6196 adults aged 35-44 years were sampled from the 2010 Brazilian National Oral Health Survey and nested in one of 27 Brazilian State Capitals. Binary multilevel logistic analyses were conducted. Use of public dental service in the last visit was the outcome, and self-reported colour/race (Pardo, Black, White) was the explanatory variable. Individual covariates were sex, level of education, family income, self-reported need for treatment, dental pain in the last 6 months, presence of decayed, filled and missing teeth. The State Capital covariates were proportion of Pardos/Blacks, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, Integration of dental teams into Brazil Family Health Program and dentist per population rate. Results Pardos and Blacks were 1.25 (95% CI 1.10-1.42) and 1.73 (95% CI 1.41-2.11) times, respectively, more likely to visit the public dental service than Whites. Adjustments for level of education and income were more relevant in affecting the estimates between groups than any other covariate, but differences persisted. Colour/race was independently associated with the type of service used in the last dental visit after fully adjusted for individual and State Capital characteristics. Conclusions Racial differences in dental service utilization were evident for middle-aged adults in Brazil. The results found highlight the importance of investments in public dental service as Pardos and Blacks relied more on this type of service than Whites.