A scoping review of the economic impact of family oral health: Implications for public health, research, and policy

Objectives

To summarize evidence on the impact of oral health on individual and family economic outcomes, describe trends in the literature, and identify areas for additional research to inform public health research and practice.

Methods

Searches were conducted within PubMed, CINAHL, EconLit, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Article review, selection, abstraction, and reporting processes were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Results

Of 2758 unduplicated records identified, 52 met inclusion criteria. Study outcomes included indicators of employment/employability (n = 9), earnings/earnings potential (n = 26), parent missed work and family financial impacts of child oral health (n = 19), and financial loss (n = 3). Dental caries-related variables were the most common predictors of poorer economic outcomes. Other oral health problems, such as poorer dental functioning or poorer self-reported oral health status, also were associated with adverse economic outcomes. Significant associations with employment were found among studies that assessed interventions designed to improve oral health. Only one study estimated the impact of oral health on earnings. One-third of studies conducted multivariable analyses, and 14% incorporated race and ethnicity variables.

Conclusions

Although existing evidence suggests associations between oral health problems and poorer economic outcomes, there is a substantial need for more rigorous research to better understand the extent of economic impact of oral health problems and which populations are most affected. Additional high-quality research is needed to inform which interventions are most likely to improve oral health, reduce adverse economic impacts, and promote health and economic equity.