Examining the Association Between Participation in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Dental Care Utilization Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes: Insights From the 2022 BRFSS National Survey

Additional Authors

Casey P. Balio (PhD), Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Ying Liu (PhD), Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Christen Minnick (DrPH(c), MPH), Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee

Abstract

Oral diseases are a significant public health issue in the U.S., with annual dental care costs reaching $136 billion. One in five US adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity, and people with diabetes face a 40% higher risk, underscoring the need for oral health education. However, research on the association between participation in diabetes self-management education (DSME) and dental care utilization is sparse. This study aims to address this gap. Methods: The nationally representative 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data was used to examine the primary outcome of interest — having a dental visit within the past year — among U.S. adults 18 years or older with diabetes. The key independent variable was the receipt of DSME, defined as having ever attended a diabetes self-management class. Additional covariates were selected according to Andersen’s behavioral model of health services utilization. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (with survey weights) were used to assess the association between DSME participation and dental visits. Results: Among 61,158 adults with diabetes, 57.6% (n=36,210) reported having a dental visit within the past year. A higher proportion of DSME participants had a dental visit within the past year compared to non-participants (57% vs. 49.5%; p<0.001). Adjusted analysis showed that DSME recipients were at 1.2 times greater odds of having a dental visit in the past year (aOR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.05 – 1.43). Adults with higher education and income, who were retired, lived in urban counties, had some form of health insurance, did not have complete edentulism, never smoked, and had a routine doctor’s check-up within the past 12 months were more likely to have a dental visit within the past year. Conclusions: DSME is associated with higher dental care utilization. Integrating DSME into routine clinical practice could potentially improve oral health outcomes.

Start Time

16-4-2025 10:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

Room Number

311

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Grad/Comp Orals

Presentation Category

Health

Faculty Mentor

Nathan Hale

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Apr 16th, 10:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:00 AM

Examining the Association Between Participation in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Dental Care Utilization Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes: Insights From the 2022 BRFSS National Survey

311

Oral diseases are a significant public health issue in the U.S., with annual dental care costs reaching $136 billion. One in five US adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity, and people with diabetes face a 40% higher risk, underscoring the need for oral health education. However, research on the association between participation in diabetes self-management education (DSME) and dental care utilization is sparse. This study aims to address this gap. Methods: The nationally representative 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data was used to examine the primary outcome of interest — having a dental visit within the past year — among U.S. adults 18 years or older with diabetes. The key independent variable was the receipt of DSME, defined as having ever attended a diabetes self-management class. Additional covariates were selected according to Andersen’s behavioral model of health services utilization. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (with survey weights) were used to assess the association between DSME participation and dental visits. Results: Among 61,158 adults with diabetes, 57.6% (n=36,210) reported having a dental visit within the past year. A higher proportion of DSME participants had a dental visit within the past year compared to non-participants (57% vs. 49.5%; p<0.001). Adjusted analysis showed that DSME recipients were at 1.2 times greater odds of having a dental visit in the past year (aOR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.05 – 1.43). Adults with higher education and income, who were retired, lived in urban counties, had some form of health insurance, did not have complete edentulism, never smoked, and had a routine doctor’s check-up within the past 12 months were more likely to have a dental visit within the past year. Conclusions: DSME is associated with higher dental care utilization. Integrating DSME into routine clinical practice could potentially improve oral health outcomes.