High Prevalence of Caries, Low Use of Sealants Among Kids of Color

A recent analysis of oral health data from 22 states conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts found that American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Latino, and Black children face much higher rates of dental caries and lower use of dental sealants than their white counterparts. Kids who are covered by Medicaid and those who live in dental care health professional shortage areas are at greatest risk. According to Pew, less than 30% of dental practices in the United States treated patients covered by public insurance programs, such as Medicaid, in 2020. The analysis includes only 22 states because the others do not report on the oral health status of children broken down by race and ethnicity. Click here to read more.