CONCLUSIONS

This work has introduced a novel approach to study the collection of features that define baseline risk. The clustering methodology creates profiles of those who are at risk of being edentulous. An emphasis on population health initiatives that focus on affordable and preventive dental care at all ages will yield a high return on investment. Providing targeted interventions to those who smoke, as in Clusters 4, 5, and 7, could help prevent future edentulism. Providing targeted interventions to those in cluster Block A could improve their health. Identifying those clusters with a propensity to develop higher edentulism rates could focus on education to improve their oral health literacy and the importance of consistent dental visits to help ensure stable future oral health and overall health.29, 30, 31, 32