Purpose: To assess if routine dental check-ups are associated with better health outcomes among U.S. adults. Methods: Data was taken from The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Routine dental check-ups were defined as routine preventive dental care. Health outcomes were measured by number of hospital emergency room visits, orthodontist visits, wearing dentures and lost all adult teeth. Measures of association were performed between the frequency of dental check-ups and health outcomes and some important socio-demographic determinants. These factors were then modeled linearly in order to predict the level of statistical significance. Results: Overall, 16.75% of adults nation wide never had their routine dental check-ups and over 22% of adults had less than one dental check-up in the year of 1996. Demographically, males, elderlys, minorities, people with lower education and people without health insurance were less likely to have routine dental check-ups. Routine dental check-ups were statistically proven in the multiple regression model to be related to less emergency room visits, orthodontist visits, wearing dentures and lost all adult teeth. The model we employed accounted for 28.3% of explained variation. Conclusions: According to the nationally representative data, routine dental check-ups were positively associated with better health outcomes among U.S. adults. However, the challenge for us will be not only to promote routine dental check-ups, but also to reduce the disparity in access to a source of dental care.
Learning Objectives: 1. To be able to understand the concepts of routine dental check-ups, health outcomes, socio-demographic factors and Medical Expenditure Panel survey. 2. To be able to understand basic epidemiological study. 3. To know the implications of this study.
Keywords: Oral Health, Access to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.