Dental services - An analysis of utilization over 20 years

Background. Utilization studies serve as an important tool for oral health policy decision-making. A number of important reports have been published t hat help to characterize the dental utilization patterns of most Americans. For the most part, these studies have focused on utilization estimates for a particular survey period or year. Fewer studies have examined changing u tilization patterns over time. Methods. This article focuses on dental utilization and the changes in util ization for the civilian, community-based U.S. population during 1977, 1987 and 1996. Using data from the National Medical Care Expenditure Survey, Na tional Medical Expenditure Survey and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the authors provide national estimates of dental visits for each of several so cioeconomic and demographic categories during 1977, 1987 and 1996. Results. Although the dental use rates for children between 6 and 18 years of age were the highest of any age group in each of the three years studied , the use rate for children and the elderly increased during this same 20-y ear period. Data also showed that the gap in use rates between lower- and h igher-income people widened during the 20-year period. Generally, use rates according to sex and race/ethnicity were unchanged in each of the survey y ears, except for a narrowing of the gap between whites and nonwhites by 199 6. Conclusion. These data are unique and comparable and establish a mechanism by which dental visits can be compared during a 20-year period. While aggre gate utilization rates generally were stable during this 20-year period, so me differences within socioeconomic and demographic groups are notable. For instance, the use rate increased during the 20-year period for people 65 y ears of age and older and for children younger than 6 years of age. Practice Implications. By understanding these analyses, U.S. dentists will be better positioned to provide care and meet the needs of all Americans.