SDOH Screening in a Dental School Clinic Yields Associations with Health and Oral Health Metrics

Abstract

Objectives: Health disparities have persisted for centuries in the United States and across the globe. The 2021 Surgeon General’s report noted social determinants of health as a “crucial underlying factor, and the implication on oral health inequities should be explored…”. The study’s purpose is to assess the association between unmet social needs oral health metrics, systemic health metrics, and oral health literacy. Methods: A 32-item questionnaire, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Social Needs Assessment Tool (SONAT) was utilized. The format consisted of Likert scale, multiple choice, open text, and binary yes/no questions. Socioeconomic, demographic, prescription medications use, dental insurance coverage, and health literacy data was captured. Data was analyzed using T test, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: There were 501respondents, and 71% of respondents reported having one or more unmet social needs (USNs). Individuals with systemic disease were more likely to report one or more unmet social need: hypertension, p = 0.001, diabetes, p=0.012, cardiovascular disease, p=0.021. Periodontitis was a significant association with unmet need, p=0.01. Insurance type was significantly associated with USN (p=0.005): those with USN were more likely to have MA. Individuals with more missing teeth were more likely to report USN, p=0.041. Conclusion: Screening for social determinants of health in dental clinics yields meaningful information, such as food, housing, or transportation insecurity indirectly impact patients’ health. Patients reporting unmet social needs have poorer oral health, particularly missing and decayed teeth and periodontitis. Higher health literacy is associated with reduced unmet social need.Mays, Keith. (2026). SDOH Screening in a Dental School Clinic Yields Associations with Health and Oral Health Metrics. Retrieved from the Data Repository for the University of Minnesota (DRUM),