Assessing English Language Proficiency in the United States

2017 ◽  
pp. 427-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis E. Poza ◽  
Guadalupe Valdés
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
The United States ◽  
English Language Proficiency

scholarly journals English language proficiency, complete tooth loss, and recent dental visits among older adults in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212096299
Author(s):  
Andriana M Foiles Sifuentes ◽  
Maira A Castaneda-Avila ◽  
Kate L Lapane
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
Tooth Loss ◽  
English Language ◽  
The United States ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Primary Language ◽  
Dental Visits ◽  
English Only

Objectives: This study sought to provide population-based estimates of complete tooth loss and recent dental visits among older adults in the United States by English language proficiency. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey among participants ⩾50 years of age (n = 10,452, weighted to represent 111,895,290 persons). Five categories of language proficiency were created based on self-reported English language ability and language spoken at home (Spanish, Other). Results: The prevalence of complete tooth loss was higher among those with limited English proficiency (Spanish speaking: 13.7%; Other languages: 16.9%) than those proficient in English (Spanish speaking: 5.0%; Other languages: 6.0%, English only: 12.0%). Complete tooth loss was less common among participants for whom Spanish was their primary language, with limited English proficiency relative to English only (adjusted odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.76). Among those without complete tooth loss, dental visits in the past year were less common among participants with primary language other than English as compared to those who only speak English. Conclusions: Complete tooth loss varied by English language proficiency among adults aged ⩾50 years in the United States. Suboptimal adherence to annual dental visits was common, more so in those with complete tooth loss, and varied by English language proficiency.

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