Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Oral Health Care: A Step Towards Health Equity for Older Adults
Year Developed: 2024
Resource Type: n.a..Primary Audience: n.a.
Language(s): English
Developed by: National Network for Oral Health Access (See other resources developed by this organization). In collaboration with National Center for Equitable Care for Elders .
Resource Summary: Identifying and addressing social determinants (also known as social drivers) of health (SDOH) is a key part of a health center’s approach to providing comprehensive care in their communities. Non-medical factors such as housing, income, transportation, behavioral health, and intimate partner violence can directly contribute to disparities in access and utilization of health care for the whole body, including a person’s mouth. As part of an interprofessional team, dental providers and staff have an opportunity to participate in SDOH screening and documentation to reduce barriers between older patients and oral health services.
Resource Details: While there are many SDOH assessment tools available to health centers, this publication will refer to questions from the nationally standardized Protocol for Responding to & Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks & Experiences (PRAPARE) that can be incorporated into a dental team’s intake process. Once needs are identified, offered strategies related to education, resource development, and referrals can improve collaborative efforts across departments and with community partners to reduce oral health inequities for aging patients.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,625,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.