Assessment of Oral Health Disparities and Barriers to Care among Underserved Populations in Urban and Rural Settings.

Introduction: Oral health disparities persist between urban and rural populations, particularly among underserved communities. Geographic isolation, financial constraints, and lack of access to dental services contribute significantly to these disparities. Rural populations often encounter greater barriers in accessing healthcare facilities, whereas urban underserved groups face challenges such as overburdened public health systems. This study aims to assess and compare the disparities in oral health outcomes and the barriers to care faced by underserved populations in both urban and rural settings.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using data from various peer-reviewed literature studies on oral health disparities among underserved urban and rural populations. Three parameters were evaluated: socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, and geographic access to dental services. The data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with statistical significance determined at a P value of < 0.05.

Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated significant disparities in oral health outcomes and access to care between urban and rural populations, with rural communities experiencing worse outcomes in terms of insurance coverage, income levels, and proximity to dental care facilities. Differences in oral health status, such as untreated dental caries and periodontal disease, were also significantly higher in rural populations compared to urban groups.

Conclusion: Efforts to reduce oral health disparities must consider the unique challenges faced by both urban and rural underserved populations. Targeted public health interventions and policies that address geographic, financial, and systemic barriers to care are essential to improving oral health equity.