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21 - Oral Health Perception in the LGBTQIA+ Population

Friday, May 23, 2025
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM MDT
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Katherine M. Bigham, DMD (she/her/hers)

    Resident
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • AM

    Adriana Modesto, DMD. DDS. MS. PhD.

    Professor
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Halima Abukabbos, BDS, MPH, CPH, FRCDC (she/her/hers)

    Clinical Assistant Professor & Graduate Program Director
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Abstract:



Purpose: Many LGBTQIA+ young adults avoid dental care due to discrimination, lack of gender-affirming providers, and perceived insensitivity. This study explores oral health literacy and perceptions among LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ young adults to identify barriers to care.



Methods: 29 participants (ages 18-26) completed a survey assessing their oral health knowledge, habits, and perceived barriers to care. This was followed by an educational intervention in the form of a recorded presentation, after which participants completed the same survey again.



Results: 96.7% of available youth participated in this study. 44.8% of participants identified as LGBTQIA+. While LGBTQIA+ participants showed higher oral health literacy (63.73% vs. 50% among those who identified as non-LGBTQIA+) and an increased belief in dental care as a necessity (100% vs. 88%), they were less likely to acknowledge barriers to care (61.5% vs. 88%). This suggests potential internalized stigma or fear of discrimination among LGBTQIA+ individuals.



Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential disconnect between awareness of oral health importance and actual care-seeking behavior among LGBTQIA+ young adults. Targeted interventions are needed to address the unique barriers faced by this population and promote equitable access to oral healthcare. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is crucial to fully understand these findings.

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