Report Details Disparities in Health Care Among Minority Populations

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust has released the “2015 Kelly Report on Health Disparities in America,” which examines the causes and impact of health disparities among minorities. Compiled by U.S. Rep. Robin L. Kelly, PhD, (D-IL), who chairs the CBC Health Braintrust, the report offers comprehensive legislative and policy recommendations designed to improve health outcomes nationwide.

Authored by American Dental Association President Maxine Feinberg, DDS, the oral health chapter notes that untreated dental disease disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities. It reports that 42% of African American adults and 36% of Hispanic adults have untreated disease, as compared to 22% of Caucasians. It also observes that among children 8 and under, the rate of untreated disease in primary teeth is twice as high for Hispanic and African American children as it is for Caucasian children. The report further states that while treating existing disease is critical, it’s equally important to provide culturally competent oral health education and help underserved patients navigate confusing public health systems. In addition, it asserts that more minority dentists — practitioners, dental school faculty and students — are essential to reducing disparities.

In the report, Feinberg calls for reforms at state and federal levels, as well as increased support for federal agencies and services aimed at reducing oral disease among underserved populations.