An Assessment of Oral Health on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Terry Batliner, Tamanna Tiwari, Anne Wilson, Maxine Janis, John T. Brinton, Dallas M. Daniels, Joaquin R. Gallegos, Kimberly E. Lind, Deborah H. Glueck, Jacomb Thomas, Judith Albino
Volume 12, Number 1 (2025) 12 (1): 5-17
Keywords Oral Health, Indigenous Populations, Dental Care, Oglala Lakota, Smokeless Tobacco, Oral Health Disparities Study, Behavioral Risk Factors for Oral Health
Abstract
This series of studies provides a comprehensive assessment of oral health within the Oglala Lakota community on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The research identifies a high prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and significant unmet dental needs. Key factors influencing oral health outcomes include smokeless tobacco use, behavioral risks, and limited access to dental care. These findings highlight persistent oral health disparities faced by this Indigenous population. The articles propose cost-effective interventions and policy measures aimed at improving access to oral health services and reducing disease burden. This work contributes valuable insights to inform targeted public health strategies and address oral health inequities in Native American communities.
Terry Batliner
Tamanna Tiwari
Anne Wilson
Maxine Janis
John T. Brinton
Dallas M. Daniels
Joaquin R. Gallegos
Kimberly E. Lind
Deborah H. Glueck
Jacomb Thomas
Judith Albino
Published August 13, 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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