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I would like to propose a study investigating the needs, facilities and available programs that deal with the dental/periodontal health of underprivileged adults in the inner city districts of Western States, with emphasis on Denver…

NOMINATED TOPIC | October 17, 2016
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Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

I would like to propose a study investigating the needs, facilities and available programs that deal with the dental/periodontal health of underprivileged adults in the inner city districts of Western States, with emphasis on Denver Colorado. My focus on the Denver population of adults 60-65 years and older who are in need of dental/periodontal care is based on the rapid influx of homeless in the city at this time and the associated increase of comorbidities of poor dental health. I have researched some of the available programs but have not accessed a great deal of information that directly addresses this problem.

As noted in the Healthy People 2020 Initiative, oral health is a Leading Health Indicator.

Describe why this topic is important.

The incidence of associated health comorbidities such as malnutrition, diabetes, pulmonary (ie pneumonia, sepsis), obesity is an ever-increasing problem, which is addressed primarily on an emergent basis and not a health maintenance issue. Elder and underprivileged adults should have the opportunity to access needed dental/periodontal care as part of their overall health care programs. The availability of dental providers is a premium commodity at this time and while some elders, low income adults have insurance coverage, there are not enough providers to meet the needs of this population.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

If an inroad of dental/periodontal education, provisions of care would be able to be arranged, I feel that a percentage of the elder, low income population would seek access to this care and relieve a small portion of the emergent care services that are sought for oral/periodontal care. I would appreciate any information that you could provide on this subject, as you well know, the issue of dental/periodontal care for the elderly and underprivileged has taken a step back due to the overwhelming incidence of cardio vascular, diabetes and obesity issues.

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Surgical Nurse Practitioner
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Page last reviewed November 2017
Page originally created October 2016

Internet Citation: I would like to propose a study investigating the needs, facilities and available programs that deal with the dental/periodontal health of underprivileged adults in the inner city districts of Western States, with emphasis on Denver…. Content last reviewed November 2017. Effective Health Care Program, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/get-involved/nominated-topics/i-would-like-to-propose-a-study-investigating-the-needs-facilities-and-available-programs-that-deal-with-the-dentalperiodontal-health-of-underprivileged-adults-in-the-inner-city-districts-of-western-states-with-emphasis-on-d

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