Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

6-1-2026

Journal

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

DOI

10.1111/jphd.70051

PMID

41800597

PMCID

PMC13241907

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-9-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals can experience notable health disparities, including higher HIV prevalence, social isolation, substance abuse, lack of culturally competent providers, and poorer health outcomes compared to heterosexuals due to stigma and discrimination. This study aims to identify predictors of dental care utilization across sexual minorities using the 2023 TEXAS PRIDE Survey.

Methods: We analyzed data from 517 SGM individuals, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and recent medical and dental visits. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of dental care utilization (i.e., a dental visit in the past year).

Results: Among sexual orientation groups, reported dental care utilization was highest among gay (23.7%) and lesbian (21%) individuals, followed by bisexual (18.3%), pansexual (11.1%), queer (9.9%), and other sexual orientations (16.2%). Those with a college degree were significantly more likely to report dental utilization compared to those with less education. Individuals who did not have a medical visit in the past year were 0.27 times as likely to utilize dental care than those who did. No significant disparities in dental care utilization were found based on sexual orientation in the regression analysis.

Conclusions: Higher education and recent medical visits are significant predictors of dental care utilization among SGM individuals. Efforts to reduce oral health disparities should focus on affordable dental care coverage, improving health literacy, fostering inclusive dental environments, and training providers in SGM cultural sensitivity. Future research should explore integrated healthcare approaches and provider cultural competence training to address these gaps.

Keywords

Humans, Sexual and Gender Minorities, Female, Male, Dental Care, Adult, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Middle Aged, Texas, Young Adult, Adolescent, dental care, dental visit, health disparities, LGBTQ+, sexual and gender minorities, sexual and gender minority, United States

Published Open-Access

yes

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