Which of the following is an example of a social determinant of health?

• A. Education level
• B. Daily toothbrushing
• C. Use of Mouthwash
• D. Fluoride Varnish Application

Answer: (A)

Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, plus the broader forces shaping daily life—things like education, income, housing, and access to care. Education level fits here because it isn’t a medical treatment but a social factor that influences health outcomes through health literacy, employment opportunities, and income, which in turn affect access to resources, living conditions, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system. Higher education generally leads to better prospects and resources that support healthier choices and better management of health, including oral health.

The other options represent individual health behaviors or clinical preventive services rather than upstream social factors. Daily toothbrushing and the use of mouthwash are personal hygiene practices, while fluoride varnish application is a preventive treatment provided by a clinician. These influence health directly but do not exemplify the social conditions that shape health outcomes across populations.