EXPENDITURES ON FAMILY DENTAL-CARE BY ACTIVE-DUTY SOLDIERS

Expenditures on family dental care by U.S. active duty soldiers were e xplored in this 1992 worldwide survey. Of 9,550 respondents (62% respo nse rate), 7,187 claimed dependents and 5,569 provided reliable data. Mean annual expenditures and multinomial regression on a distribution of expenditures were calculated. Results show average family dental ca re expenditures were as follows: total sample, $135; childless couples , $59; couples with children, $154; and single parents, $120. Between 72 and 83% of families spent 80 on dental care. Excluding non-spenders , overall expenditures averaged as follows: total sample, $531; childl ess couples, $354; couples with children, $560; and single parents, $4 70. Regression results show that expenditures on family dental care by soldiers are influenced by different factors depending on family comp osition. Policy measures to encourage optimal dental care by families of active duty soldiers should focus on increasing insurance coverage and use.