Access to comprehensive, up-to-date oral health data is essential for understanding and addressing the unique needs of Colorado’s diverse communities. Data enables researchers, policymakers, health care providers, and organizations like ours to make informed decisions and develop strategies that promote health equity.
However, while data often exists, it isn’t always easily accessible. To bridge this gap, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation (DDCOF) has partnered with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) to provide oral health data resources available to all. Last year, we proudly introduced the Colorado Oral Health Data Dashboard, a valuable resource for anyone seeking oral health data. This interactive dashboard centralizes crucial oral health information through a user-friendly online platform. Also available is “Decay in Access: Barriers to Oral Health Care Remain in Colorado,” an insightful one-pager that highlights a number of data points with visually engaging graphics. By making this data readily available, we empower stakeholders to identify gaps, allocate resources effectively, and implement strategies that ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal oral health.
Recognizing the Colorado Health Institute
We would like to recognize the Colorado Health Institute (CHI), whose invaluable work forms the foundation of these resources. All the data and insights available through the Colorado Oral Health Data Dashboard and the accompanying one-pager “Decay in Access” are based on the Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) conducted by CHI.
As an objective and independent organization, the Colorado Health Institute plays a critical role in conducting health research and collecting comprehensive data on health coverage, access to care, and the social determinants of health influencing experiences across the state. Their dedication to providing accurate, reliable, and unbiased data ensures that we have a solid foundation for understanding and addressing the oral health needs of Coloradans. We are grateful for their partnership and the vital contributions they make to advancing oral health in Colorado.
The Colorado Oral Health Data Dashboard
As mentioned, the dashboard is based on oral health data from the CHAS. It offers comprehensive data on:
- Oral Health Outcomes: Track Coloradan’s overall oral health status.
- Oral Health Access: Understand how often and where Coloradans are accessing dental care.
- Barriers to Oral Health Care: Identify obstacles people face in obtaining necessary dental care and the costs involved.
- Social Factors and Competent Care: Explore how well oral health care meets the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations.
- Regional Oral Health Data: Demographic data across Colorado’s 21 health statistics regions.
The dashboard is particularly useful for finding data specific to a region or demographic as the data can be filtered by age, race, insurance status, rurality, or family income, providing a detailed and nuanced view of oral health across the state. For example, going to the Oral Health Outcomes tab and choosing “Percentage of Coloradans reporting fair/poor oral health status” and further selecting “Insurance status” as a variable shows me that a whopping 42.1% of uninsured Coloradans self-reported having fair to poor oral health status. This demonstrates a population with an obvious need and helps us make informed decisions about our grantmaking.
Additionally, data are available biennially from 2013, with new data from the 2023 CHAS recently added. Users can download regional one-pagers or maps for easy access and visualization.
Insights from “Decay in Access”
For a brief overview on the state of oral health in Colorado, the one-pager “Decay in Access” highlights key findings. With visually engaging graphics, this resource focuses on:
- Comparisons to 2021: Examine trends and disparities in oral health.
- Access to Care: Analyze the ease or difficulty Coloradans face in accessing dental services.
- Social Determinants of Health: Understand the socio-economic and demographic factors that impact oral health.
In an excerpt from “Decay in Access,” we see how dramatically key issues can shift over even relatively short periods of time. Catching fear of COVID was the most prevalent barrier to care in 2021 while we were at the height of the pandemic. By 2023, that had dropped down to less than a quarter of the initial number to 5.2%.
Access and Utilize the Data
For those looking for a more detailed analysis, the oral health section of the CHAS, “Cost, Fear Kept Many Coloradans from the Dentist,” is available directly on the Colorado Health Institute’s site. This section offers extensive data and insights, helping to get a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by Coloradans across the state.
The Importance of Accessible Data
The Colorado Oral Health Data Dashboard and accompanying resources represent a significant step forward in making vital oral health data accessible. We invite you to explore these tools, utilize the data in your work, and join us in the journey towards achieving oral health equity for all Coloradans. By leveraging the power of data, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in our state.