University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Principal Investigator: Ashley Kranz, PhD, RAND Institute
Funded by the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Study Years: 2020-2025
Dental caries, commonly called tooth decay, is a preventable, but common disease (CDC Division of Oral Health 2019). There are widespread racial/ethnic inequities in oral health, with non-White children and adults more likely to experience caries and have worse oral health than White children and adults.
Led by Dr. Ashley Kranz at the RAND Institute, this study aims to identify factors associated with providers’ delivery of and individuals’ receipt of oral health services using health care claims data and qualitative data collection. The Quality for All Lab has led the qualitative elements of the study, exploring how both medical and dental providers think about and implement preventive oral health care for children and coordinate care.
Related Publications
Sarah L Goff, Charlotte F Gilson, Erin DeCou, Andrew W Dick, Kimberley H Geissler, Michelle Dalal, Ashley M Kranz​
Academic Pediatrics, July 2024
National guidelines recommend that all children under age six receive fluoride varnish (FV) in medical settings. However, application rates remain low. This study aimed to update understanding of barriers and facilitators to guideline concordant FV application.
Annie Yu-An Chen, Kimberley H Geissler, Andrew W Dick, Sarah Goff, Ashley M Kranz​​
Academic Pediatrics, August 2023
This study compares rates of fluoride varnish (FV) applications during well-child visits for children covered by Medicaid and private medical insurance in Massachusetts. Rates of fluoride varnish applications during well-child visits were low for both Medicaid and private insurance despite growth from 2016 to 2018 in Massachusetts. Low rates are concerning because this is a recommended service with the potential to help address racial, geographic, and income-based disparities in access and oral health outcomes.
​