Racial/ethnic differences in orofacial pain impact and overall oral health-related quality of life among dental patients: a focus on Black women

Abstract

Objective: Orofacial pain (OFP) is linked to negative impacts on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). OFP demographic gradients are documented with little research on Black women, being this study’s focus.Methods: The sample included research-consented women aged 18+ with baseline Oral Health Impact Profile-5 (OHIP-5) responses. This cross-sectional study used data from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry’s electronic health records to assess OFP impact and OHIP summary scores. Regression models evaluated associations between race/ethnicity and OFP impact/overall OHRQoL. Results: Non-Hispanic (NH) Black and NH White participants had similar OFP prevalence, frequency, and summary OHIP scores. Analyses revealed being a NH Black woman was associated with a statistically non-significant 0.09 points decrease in OHIP summary score, 11% lower odds of OFP prevalence, and 15% greater odds of OFP frequency. Conclusion: Findings reveal comparable OFP impact and overall OHRQoL for NH Black and NH White women.