A survey by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in Lexington found that children's dental decay rates in the state exceed the national average.
Four things to know:
- The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners' Oral Health Surveillance Project survey evaluated dental decay prevalence and treatment needs among children across Kentucky, identifying populations most at risk. Key findings include:
- Over 6,600 children across 106 counties were screened for the survey.
- Dental decay rates for children ages 2 to 5 in Kentucky were found to be "considerably higher" than the national average and were comparable to the highest-risk group in the U.S. — children living at or below the poverty line, according to a Nov. 7 news release.
- The survey concluded that region was the strongest factor associated with untreated decay, followed by age, facility type and rural location. Researchers also found that race, ethnicity and limited economic resources added to the risk for dental decay.