David J. Reynen, MPH, MPPA and John H. Kurata, PhD, MPH. Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Control Section, California Department of Health Services, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Suite 74.317, MS 7212, PO Box 997413, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413, (916) 552-9882, DReynen@dhs.ca.gov

Background: Healthy People 2010 calls for an increase in the use of the oral healthcare system, especially among selected populations, such as the elderly. Thus, it is critical to study the populations that fail to use the system. This study described those factors associated with having had no dental visit in the last year.

Methods: Using the 2001 California Health Interview Survey data: (1) Adults aged 65+ were classified as (a) those who had had a visit during the last year and (b) those who had not. (2) Age-adjusted prevalence estimates were determined. (3) Via logistic regression, factors associated with having had no dental visit during the last year were described.

Results: Overall, 41% of California’s seniors report having had no dental visit during the last year. Estimates are higher for American Indians (64%), Latinos (62%), and Pacific Islanders and African Americans (both 61%); there is no difference for men (41%) vs. women (42%). Preliminary results suggest the following factors are associated with a failure to use the oral healthcare system: nonwhite (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.250-1.76); male (1.13, 1.03-1.24); no dental insurance (1.33, 1.17-1.50); no MD visit, last 12 mos (1.37, 1.13-1.67); smoker (2.03, 1.72-2.40); “less than ‘Good’” health status (1.30, 1.16-1.47); physical limitation (1.48, 1.27-1.73); no “medical home” (1.74, 1.25-2.41); and education, vs. BA/BS/+ ([some college]=1.59, 1.35-1.87; [HSgrad]=2.60, 2.23-3.02; [lt HSgrad]=4.52, 3.73-5.48).

Conclusions: Understanding these factors may allow for the development of programs and policies focused on improving the utilization of the oral healthcare system by California’s senior population.

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