Graduation date: 2007
This research focuses on the economic and social impacts to women’s and children’s dental health after methamphetamine abuse. Family oral health status, access to professional services, health literacy and home hygienic practices are evaluated in the frameworks of critical medical anthropology, applied anthropological praxis and matrix and bio-psycho-social addiction models from the standpoint that family oral health status is affected by a mother’s changing perceptions of oral health care after an active addiction to methamphetamine. Utilizing a mixed methods approach (quantitative survey and grounded theory methods) the study finds that family oral health is situated in a framework of social inequity and power struggle, infrastructural insecurities in the OHP Medicaid system, and participants’ personal experiences. Children’s access to dental services and proper home care is dependant upon their mothers’/caretakers’ personal experiences, health literacy and access to care.