Dental care utilization: examining the associations between health services deficits and not having a dental visit in past 12months

BackgroundA growing literature supports the contention that closing the divide between dental and medical care can improve access to and coordination of patient care. Health service deficits (HSDs) entail: no routine medical exam, no personal healthcare provider (HCP), no health insurance, and/or delaying medical care because of cost all within the last 12months. Examining the associations between HSDs and dental care utilization could inform strategies and interventions aimed at narrowing the gap between the medical and dental professions. This study explored whether HSDs are associated with not having a dental care visit within the last 12months. In addition, the study sought to provide an updated analysis of the characteristics and factors associated with dental care utilization.MethodsTwo thousand sixteen Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable techniques. The outcome variable for this study was: last dental visit was longer than 12months ago.ResultsUS adults without healthcare insurance, without a personal HCP, who had delayed medical care because of cost, and who had their last routine medical visit longer than 12months ago had greater odds of not having a dental visit within the last 12months. Further, this study identified disparities in dental care utilization among males, rural residents, those earning less than $50,000 per year, Non-Hispanic Blacks and Non-Hispanic other races. Individuals with six or more and/or all of their permanent teeth removed and current smokers also had greater odds of not having had a dental care visit in the past 12months.ConclusionsFindings suggest that a stronger integration of medical and dental care might increase dental care utilization. In addition, persistent disparities in dental care utilization remain for several demographic groups. Targeted interventions offer the promise of helping achieve HP 2020 goals for improved oral health.