Dental Care Research Study
About the Study
There is growing evidence that oral health problems can affect overall health and quality of life. However, many adults do not have dental insurance and do not receive regular dental care due to cost. This study aims to understand how quality of life and health for older adults who do not have dental insurance are affected if they are offered no-fee dental care.
Why Participate?
- You may be offered no-fee dental care from study dentists and dental hygienists at the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM).
- You will receive partial rebates for non-study dental care.
- You will be part of a study that may improve health for you and others.
What is involved in the study?
After joining the study, you will have an in-person study visit with a survey, photos of your teeth and gums, blood and saliva samples and other health measures. You will then be randomly placed in one of three groups:
No-Fee Access Group
- Offered no-fee dental care at UCM for 5 years
- Offered no-fee dental exam in 5 years
5-Year Standard Care Group
- Not offered no-fee dental care at UCM
- Offered no-fee dental exam in 5 years
2-year Standard Care Group
- Not offered no-fee dental care at UCM
- Offered no-fee dental exam in 2 years
In all three groups
- Follow-up surveys every 6 months
- 1-2 in-person follow-up study visits with photos of your teeth and gums, blood and saliva samples and other health measures
- Payments for completed follow-up surveys and study visits
- 10% rebates for out-of-pocket payments for non-study dental care, up to $150 per person per year.
To join the study, you must be:
- Age 50 years or older
- Have a primary care provider at UCM and received care from them in the past 2 years
- Not covered by Medicare Advantage
- Not covered by any state Medicaid
- An Illinois resident
- Not eligible for Illinois Medicaid
Other eligibility criteria related to dental coverage and care will be assessed in-person with study staff.
Other information
- Taking part in this study is voluntary
- Current or future care at The University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Medical Center will not be affected by participation in the study