Delta Dental examined existing literature to evaluate gaps in oral health literacy and determine methods to help individuals make more informed oral health decisions, according to a white paper published Feb. 13.
The analysis revealed that low oral health literacy is directly tied to poorer oral health outcomes and lower-than-average use of healthcare services. Individuals with high levels of health literacy were more likely to engage in effective dentist-patient communication, which can positively affect preventive, diagnostic and restorative oral health services.
The paper identifies three methods to improve oral health literacy: creating dental health literacy training modules, using after-visit summaries in dentistry and providing clear insurance information to all patients.