Public Health · single question
All of the following are recognized social determinants of oral health EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Medication side effects
- A. CORRECT. Medication side effects (e.g., xerostomia from antihypertensives, gingival hyperplasia from phenytoin) are CLINICAL/PHARMACOLOGICAL factors, not social determinants of health. Social determinants are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age — economic and social factors that influence health outcomes.
- B. Geographic location (urban vs. rural, proximity to dental offices) is a key social determinant affecting access to dental care, especially in underserved rural communities.
- C. Socioeconomic status is one of the most powerful social determinants — it affects ability to afford dental care, dental insurance coverage, and access to preventive services.
- D. Education level influences oral health literacy, understanding of prevention, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system — a well-established social determinant.