Oral Health Beliefs of Alaska Native Dental Patients

1 Oral health beliefs influence oral health behavior, and culture is a crucial component of beliefs and subsequent health actions (Kiyak, 1993). Although the oral health beliefs of several population subgroups have been investigated (see the Alaska Native population is largely unstudied in this realm. This study examines oral health beliefs of the unique Alaska Native population to better serve their dental needs. This study includes a substantial portion of Iñupiat respondents, Alaska Natives who remained on the Pacific coast and reside in the remote region of Northwest Alaska (McGhee, 1996). Increased availability of goods and services has transformed the Alaska Natives' diet, subsequently affecting their oral health This low-carbohydrate diet resulted in low risk of caries. However, increased trade and an influx of grocery and convenience stores resulted in greater availability and consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods. The modernized Alaska Native diet has half as much protein and nearly double the carbohydrates (Bang & Kristoffersen, 1972). Oral health deteriorated, with the number of caries-free individuals falling to 0% and a substantial increase in decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) (Bang & Kristoffersen, 1972). Surveys conducted by the Indian Health Service (IHS) shed light on the oral health status of Alaska Natives. In 1999, 62.2% of young dental patients and about 50% of adult patients had untreated decay (IHS, 2001). In 2010, survey results indicated a substantial portion (46.7%) of Alaska Native preschoolers with active caries and a mean of 4.8 teeth with decay (IHS, 2013). These studies indicated a greater prevalence of dental disease among the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population compared to other U.S. minority populations. Recommendations included an increase in dental practitioners employed by IHS and tribal clinics as well as early prevention programs (IHS, 2013). In addition, the Alaska Native population faces unique challenges in accessing dental care. Each Alaska Native tribe coordinates the dental care of its members through the Alaska Tribal Health System. Dental care may be provided by a dentist employed by the tribe, a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officer, or a dentist contracted with IHS (AK DHHS, 1993). The 2010 IHS survey indicated a relative shortage of dental practitioners serving the AI/AN population, with 2800 AI/AN patients per dentist as compared to 1500 patients 2 per dentist in the general U.S. population (IHS, 2013). In addition, dental therapy is expensive and often inconvenient. The most effective long-term solution is to focus …