Federal Grant Given to University of Rhode Island's Computer Science and Environmental Health Department for Artificial Intelligence Project Targeting Oral Health Inequalities
In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists at the University of Rochester are developing the SMARTeeth project - a smartphone app designed to combat tooth decay, particularly in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap in oral health disparities by providing accessible, culturally relevant, and personalized oral health education and support.
The SMARTeeth app offers several key features to improve oral health outcomes:
- Personalized Oral Health Guidance: The app provides tailored advice and reminders for oral hygiene practices, helping users establish and maintain good dental care routines.
- Culturally Sensitive Content: The app incorporates culturally relevant information and communication styles that resonate with minority populations, increasing engagement and effectiveness.
- Accessible Technology: By leveraging the widespread use of smartphones across diverse communities, the app overcomes barriers related to limited access to dental care and oral health education.
- Addressing Social Determinants: The app considers factors like socioeconomic status and access to resources, providing practical tips and support that fit users' real-life contexts.
- Data and Feedback: SMARTeeth collects user data to continuously refine its content and functionality, ensuring it meets the needs of its target populations.
The SMARTeeth project also extends beyond the smartphone app, combining artificial intelligence technology with community engagement through interactive oral health community centers, mobile vans, and community health workers.
The study's principal investigators include Jiebo Luo, PhD, a professor at the University of Rochester's Computer Science department, Drs. Luo and Xiao, Michael Mendoza, MD, MPH, Monroe County's Public Health commissioner, Kevin Fiscella, MD, MPH, professor of Family Medicine, and Timothy Dye, PhD, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The harmful effects of untreated tooth decay can have substantial adverse impacts on children, families, and healthcare systems. The primary goals of the study include reducing tooth decay rates, improving oral health outcomes, and reorienting health services from curative to preventive.
The SMARTeeth project is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Data collection, establishment of interactive oral health community centers, and development of methods to motivate and empower families to use the app are part of the study.
With the SMARTeeth project, the University of Rochester is taking significant strides towards addressing oral health disparities and promoting prevention, early detection, and treatment of tooth decay in underserved communities.
- The SMARTeath project, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to utilize artificial intelligence technology and community engagement to combat tooth decay, particularly in underserved racial and ethnic minority communities.
- The project's principal investigators are using data collection and the development of interactive oral health community centers to improve oral health outcomes and reorient health services from curative to preventive.
- As part of the SMARTeath project, a smartphone app is being developed that offers personalized oral health guidance, incorporates culturally sensitive content, and leverages accessible technology to break down barriers in dental care and oral health education.
- The SMARTeath app also considers social determinants, providing practical tips and support that fit users' real-life contexts, and collects data to continuously refine its content and functionality.
- The study's goals include reducing tooth decay rates, improving mental health and wellness by addressing oral health disparities, and promoting personal growth through education and self-development in the areas of health and fitness, nutrition, and therapies and treatments.
- In combination with a smartphone app, the SMARTeath project plans to engage communities through interactive oral health community centers, mobile vans, and community health workers to further support and empower users in maintaining good dental care routines and overall health.
