Knowledge About Food Insecurity Among Dental Practitioners: Preliminary Findings From the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Abstract

Food insecurity is a household-level economic and social condition characterized by limited access to nutritious food. This study explored dental practitioners' views on food insecurity screening and its impact on oral health. A five-question survey ("Quick Poll") was conducted through the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) in the United States. A total of 332 dental practitioners responded. Preferences for food insecurity screening in dental practice settings showed substantial variability: 30% in favor, 39% neutral, and 29% against. When identifying the primary oral health issue influenced by food insecurity, 68% pinpointed dental caries. Over half (53%) expressed comfort in directing patients experiencing food insecurity to relevant resources. Notably, 61% of respondents expressed interest in being involved in future food insecurity clinical studies. This preliminary study underscores the relevance of food insecurity in the professional dental setting and suggests that the clinical setting may be well suited for educational programs designed to improve the oral health of patients experiencing food insecurity. Future research may achieve this goal, including a PBRN clinical study of interventions to improve oral health among patients experiencing food insecurity.