Yi Guo|Henrietta L. Logan|Virginia J. Dodd|Keith E. Muller|John Marks|Joseph L. Riley
Health Literacy: A Pathway to Better Oral Health
University of Florida|University of Florida|University of Florida|University of Florida|University of Florida|University of Florida
examined whether health literacy associated selfrated oral health status whether relationship mediated patientdentist communication dental care patternswe tested path model data collected 2 waves telephone surveys baseline 20092010 followup 2011 individuals residing 36 rural census tracts northern florida final sample size n 1799higher levels health literacy associated better selfrated oral health status b 0091 p 001 addition higher levels health literacy associated better patientdentist communication turn corresponded patterns regular dental care better selfrated oral health b 0003 p 01our study showed beyond oftenreported effects gender race education financial status access dental care also important consider influence health literacy quality patientdentist communication oral health status improved patientdentist communication needed initial step improving populations oral health