Applying NHANES Data and Trends into Clinical Practice-Applying NHANES Data and Trends into Clinical Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Gina O. Thornton-Evans presented a webinar on NHANES, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and how clinicians can use its data to improve patient care. She explained that NHANES is a nationally representative, cross-sectional CDC survey that combines interviews, physical exams, dental exams, and lab data, making it a unique source for monitoring oral health, nutrition, disease trends, and disparities in the U.S.<br /><br />The talk highlighted how NHANES data can inform clinical treatment planning, especially by identifying risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, low income, and limited education. Dr. Thornton-Evans reviewed trends in untreated dental decay, periodontitis, tooth loss, sealant use, and dental visits across age groups and sociodemographic categories. She showed that oral health has improved in some areas, especially for children and sealant use, but major disparities persist, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and lower-income populations.<br /><br />She also emphasized the importance of preventive care, early detection, and patient education, urging clinicians to “think outside the box” and use data to better understand their patient populations and support healthier outcomes.

Keywords

NHANES

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

oral health disparities

dental decay

periodontitis

preventive care

patient education

CDC survey

clinical treatment planning