Journal of health care for the poor and underserved
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · Jan 2021
Structural Racism and Oral Health Inequities of Black vs. non-Hispanic White Adults in the U.S.
Structural racism negatively affects the health of Black populations in the U. S. Black populations experience a higher burden of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancers than other racial groups experience. ⋯ S. Black populations reside, there is an inequitable distribution of adult Medicaid dental benefits as well as an inequitable availability of both Black and non-Black oral health care providers. Addressing structural racism in oral health should involve commitment among stakeholders to establish awareness and equity through community-building, policy, oral health workforce development, and research.