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CareQuest Institute examined the experiences of individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ regarding their oral health, access to dental care, and experiences with discrimination. Key findings from our nationally representative survey focused on oral health show that LGBTQ+ individuals, when compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals, were:
- 77% more likely to have visited a hospital emergency department for dental care within the past year.
- 58% more likely to say it would be difficult to get care from a dentist if their mouth or teeth were causing pain or discomfort.
- 45% more likely to say they felt self-conscious or embarrassed because of their teeth, mouth, or dentures.
These results confirm that LGBTQ+ individuals encounter distinctive oral health challenges that need to be addressed.
You may also be interested in:Â
- Webinar: Becoming an Ally ― Creating an Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ+ Patients, register for this June 30 webinar to learn what oral health providers can do to create more inclusive care settings for patients of all genders and sexualities.
- State of Oral Health Equity in America 2022, a page that includes all the latest research based on the largest nationally representative survey focused on knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health in the US.
- Evaluating Trust in the Patient-Dentist Relationship, a journal article, co-authored by CareQuest Institute and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, exploring the primary factors that build trust between dentists and their patients.