Kaye, ElizabethAlhudaithy, Lina Hassan R2025-07-302025-07-302025https://hdl.handle.net/2144/507752025OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether the reduction in untreated dental caries among U.S. children aged 2–11 years over the past decade reflects meaningful oral health improvements. It also examined associations between the prevalence of untreated caries and factors such as socioeconomic status, dietary habits, access to care, and demographics.METHODS: Data from NHANES cycles 2011–2020 were analyzed, including 7,195 children aged 2–11. Untreated dental caries were defined as active, untreated lesions. Descriptive statistics summarized characteristics; bivariate analyses assessed associations, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Interaction terms evaluated time-based effect modification, and stratified analyses were conducted by age group. Survey weights were applied to account for NHANES complex design. RESULTS: Overall, 13.7% of children had untreated caries. Prevalence declined from 15.4%(2011–2012) to 12.2%(2015–2016), but rose slightly to 12.8%(2017–2020). Each successive cycle was associated with 10% reduction in odds of untreated caries (OR=0.9; 95%CI:0.83–1.06). Age modified trends: prevalence consistently declined among older children (21.5% to 14.1%) but fluctuated in younger children. Poverty strongly predicted untreated caries; children with income-to-poverty ratio<0.5 had fourfold higher odds (OR=3.7; 95%CI:2.3–5.89). Uninsured children had 50% higher odds, while private insurance had 20% lower odds (OR=0.8, 95%CI:0.61–0.96). Children without a dental visit in over a year had 3.2 times higher odds (95% CI: 2.53–4.16). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a 20% cumulative decline, the trend in untreated dental caries may be plateauing. Targeted, age-specific interventions are needed to reduce disparities and improve oral health among U.S. children.en-USDentistryChildren oral healthDental caries prevalenceInsuranceNutrition surveysPovertySocioeconomic factorsThesis/Dissertation2025-07-290000-0001-9034-3215