Dental services: An analysis of utilization over 20 years

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