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
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
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.