ADULT DIABETIC AND NONDIABETIC SUBJECTS AS USERS OF DENTAL SERVICES -A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY

Utilization of dental services by 30 diabetic and 30 nondiabetic subje cts was assessed by longitudinal monitoring over a period of 3 years. All subjects were examined clinically three times, and their treatment consisted mainly of cariologic and periodontal treatment. The treatme nt was delivered by a dentist and an expanded-duty dental hygienist. T he study groups were similar with regard to the total number of dental visits needed. However, the treatment of diabetic subjects was more d emanding in that more dentist's workload was needed for the diabetic g roup. They also missed more appointments without cancellation and ther efore more office time had to be reserved for them.