Which of the following is a key social determinant of oral health?

Socioeconomic status is a key social determinant of oral health because it encompasses various factors that influence individuals' access to dental care, quality of that care, and overall health outcomes. Higher socioeconomic status often correlates with better access to resources such as dental insurance, preventive care, and education on maintaining good oral hygiene. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face barriers such as affordability of dental services, lack of transportation, and limited access to community health resources, all of which can negatively impact their oral health.

In contrast, while education level is important and can impact health literacy and awareness of oral health practices, it is often considered a component of socioeconomic status rather than a standalone determinant. Age of the population and geographic location can influence health outcomes as well, but they do not have the same pervasive impact on access to care that socioeconomic status does, which directly affects many health-related behaviors and outcomes. Thus, socioeconomic status stands out as a foundational factor significantly shaping oral health disparities within populations.