Oral health among youngsters is a topic of concern and the long-term consequences of poor oral health negatively impact quality of life. The assumption that children having less access to dental health services have increased dental needs than children with improved access is based on Aday & Anderson’s behavioral framework for health service utilization, which incorporates predisposing, enabling, and health system factors. The current study examined a school-based cohort to (1) assess dental needs, (2) examine the utilization of dental services, and (3) determine the influence of health insurance coverage on unmet needs and utilization across time. Results revealed dental need among the study population, which was reduced over time as access to services increased within the community. Specifically, dental referrals declined from 48.7% in 1996 to 10.9% in 1998. At the same time the percent of children not covered by health insurance decreased from 12.3% in 1996 to 7.3% in 1998. Multivariate analyses indicated that both the time since last dental visit and the level of unmet dental need differed significantly across time. Findings are supportive for continuing efforts for developing community-based responses to problems in oral health and access to care. Community-based responses for assuring access to health services will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the close of the presentation participants will: (1) will be able to identify the predisposing, enabling, and health system facotrs impacting children's dental care access and utilization; (2) recognize the link between children's health care coverage and utilization of services; and (3) apply community-responsive approaches to improving children's dental access.
Keywords: Access to Care, Rural Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Project funded through a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.