138 - Barriers to Oral Healthcare for Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Populations

Background: Despite health disparities and barriers to medical care being well documented in the literature, the oral health status and access to dental care for transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals remain understudied. This study sought out to examine their perceived oral health and gender identity-related factors influencing acceptance or avoidance of dental care.

Methods: One-hundred eighteen TGNB participants (age range: 13-70 years old) completed a 32-item questionnaire designed for this study. Data analysis relied on descriptive methods and bivariate comparisons using conventional statistical significance criterion. Our open-ended question relied on a qualitative description approach to identify emerging themes.

Results: Participants’ avoidance due to gender identity was significantly associated with measures of self-reported sub-optimal oral health. One-third reported being addressed by their incorrect name and pronouns, and over half felt their dental home was not equipped to provide gender appropriate care. Thematic analysis of our open-ended question revealed instances of (1) gender insensitivity, (2) awkward interactions, (3) avoidance of care, and (4) lack of gender-affirming providers.

Conclusions: Discrepancies between TGNB patients’ expectations and their actual experiences suggest their needs are often not met in the dental setting. This may contribute to the increased likelihood for them to avoid the dentist because of their gender identity.