Dental visits by Australian preschool children.

OBJECTIVE

To provide population-based data on dental visits in preschool children, to assist in the planning of such services and preventive programs.

METHODOLOGY

Dental visits in young children are described and associated factors are investigated using data from the 1995 National Health Survey.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight per cent of children aged 3-4 years had ever visited a dental professional with 31% having visited a dental professional in the previous 12 months (total n = 1596). Factors associated with having ever visited a dental professional included age in years (chi2 = 74.16, P < 0.0001), state of residence (chi2 = 25.81, P= 0.0005) and private health insurance (chi2 = 7.96, P= 0.005). Similar factors were associated with visits in last 12 months. Western Australia had the lowest proportion of preschool children aged 3-4 years having ever visited a dental professional (29%) while South Australia had the highest proportion (48%). The major reasons given for dental visits were check-up and fillings.

CONCLUSION

Data regarding children not as likely to attend dental services can be used to target services and assist in ensuring preschool children receive appropriate dental care.