Met and unmet need for dental services among active drug users in Miami, Florida.

ABSTRACT

This study considers both met and unmet need for dental services among chronic drug users in Miami, Florida, and compares them with non-drug users recruited from the same neighborhoods (N = 1,479). Three primary findings emerged (1) dental problems are among the most frequently reported health problems, (2) drug use is independently associated with need for dental services, and (3) injection drug use is independently associated with increased odds of unmet need for dental services. These findings suggest that policies that increase access to dental services for drug users and other disadvantaged groups are needed. These services could be integrated into existing behavioral health programs already targeting active drug users.