Across the United States: Wealth and Insurance Coverage as Predictors of Delayed Alveolar Bone Graft

Authors

• Hanna Pfershy, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Jonathan Richard
• Elizabeth Bushong, Corewell Health West
• Darin Patmon, Corewell Health West
• Ryan Badiee
• Brooke Dudick, Corewell Health West
• Anna Carlson, Corewell Health West
• Jason Pomerantz
• Gregory Fulton
• John Girotto, Corewell Health West

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-2026

Publication Title

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to study data across the United States from three institutions in states with vastly different political leanings, median incomes, racial profiles, and population densities to determine how insurance status, institutional factors, and patient demographics effect a patient’s likelihood of receiving timely alveolar bone grafting.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients that received alveolar bone grafting was performed across three institutions. Demographic data, insurance status, driving distance, and median income was collected. Age at surgery as a linear variable and binary variable of standard timing (< 12 years) versus late timing (>12 years) was analyzed.

Results: A total of 587 patients were included in the analysis, 251 from Institution #1, 225 from Institution #2, and 111 from Institution #3. The average age at surgery was 10.5 years, 29% received ABG after age 12, and 44% had Medicaid insurance. Those with Medicaid were older 11.02 [9.73, 13.48] at the time of surgery compared to those with private insurance 10.28 [9.32, 11.71], p< 0.0001. Those with Medicaid had a higher proportion of late surgeries compared to those with private insurance (38% vs 22%, p< 0.0001). Those with Medicaid had lower absolute median income and lower household median income as a ratio to state median income (HI:SI), p< 0.0001. Results of the logistic regression showed insurance status and HI:SI were independently statistically significantly associated with having a delay in ABG (p = 0.0015, p= 0.0097).

Conclusion: Results of this study support that regardless of the institution, patients with Medicaid are more likely to receive their alveolar bone graft after age 12 and that wealth is a predictor of timely care across the country.

Volume

14

Issue

Suppl 4

First Page

3

Last Page

3

Recommended Citation

Pfershy H, Richard J, Bushong E, Patmon D, Badiee R, Dudick B, et al. [Carlson A, Girotto J.] Across the United States: Wealth and insurance coverage as predictors of delayed alveolar bone graft. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2026;14(Suppl 4):3. doi: 10.1097/01.GOX.0001276668.50388.08.

Comments

Michigan Academy of Plastic Surgeons 34th Biennial Scientific Meeting, July 12-15, 2026, Mackinac Island, MI

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

DOI

10.1097/01.GOX.0001276668.50388.08

ISSN

2169-7574