First Advisor

Dr. Lyndie Foster Page B.D., Ph.D., MComDent

Date of Award

Spring 6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science and University Honors

Department

Science

Language

English

Subjects

Facilitators, Barriers, Rural, Dental, Anxiety, Cost

Abstract

Rising healthcare costs and limited access to care have exacerbated the shortage of healthcare providers. Although multiple factors contribute to a clinician’s preference for practicing in rural areas, the imbalance created leads to rural communities with significantly reduced access to essential services, particularly dental care. The disparity between urban and rural healthcare is a well-documented global problem13, but it remains a pressing issue in the United States, particularly in Oregon. The Full Time Equivalents (FTE) count of full-time practicing dentists in rural regions is significantly lower than in urban areas3. Statewide, there are about 0.48 dentists per 1,000 residents. However, 25 primary care services that are remote and/or rural report having little to no dentist FTE. This contrast emphasizes the urgent need for an increased dental workforce in rural Oregon, especially compared to urban areas, such as Portland, which has 1.07 FTE dentists, just over double the number in rural areas3. This raises the question: what are the determinants of dental care access among rural populations? Specifically, this study examines the key facilitators and barriers that affect how patients in rural communities receive dental care. Drawing on literature and dental student reflections, some common themes emerge when examining barriers and facilitators to oral care. These findings can help us recognize themes to answer the question and look for ways to find the most efficient way to improve dental care in rural communities.

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