Morhart R E, Davis M E, Weiss D G, Fitzgerald R J, Rhyne R R
Health Serv Res. 1986 Feb;20(6 Pt 2):933-47.
The purpose of this study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and dental health status of the largest eligible class of veterans (Class IV) within the Greater Miami catchment area. Only 43 percent of 4,882 Class IV patients within this area have sought VA dental care. Sociodemographic data were obtained from a randomized sample of both the VA-treated and non-VA-treated groups. The prevalence and incidence of dental diseases and actual dental treatment procedures completed for the VA-treated sample were determined from clinical records. Results indicated that periodontal disease and dental caries are substantial problems; small groups of patients account for the majority of treatment needs and associated costs; 71 percent of these patients are over 55 years of age; and the "average" Class IV patient is lower middle-class and retired. Study implications suggest that the best strategy for developing an effective VA dental health program would be one in which each patient would have a preventive regimen tailored to meet his needs and the ability to comply with the preventive program. The VA needs to determine the cost-effectiveness and dental health advantages of providing preventive dental health care services to eligible veterans.
本研究的目的是描述大迈阿密集水区内最大合格退伍军人类别（IV类）的社会人口学特征和牙齿健康状况。该地区4882名IV类患者中只有43%寻求过退伍军人事务部（VA）的牙科护理。社会人口学数据取自VA治疗组和非VA治疗组的随机样本。VA治疗样本的牙科疾病患病率和发病率以及实际完成的牙科治疗程序由临床记录确定。结果表明，牙周病和龋齿是严重问题；一小部分患者占治疗需求和相关费用的大部分；这些患者中有71%年龄在55岁以上；“普通”的IV类患者是中下层阶级且已退休。研究启示表明，制定有效的VA牙齿健康计划的最佳策略是为每位患者制定符合其需求的预防方案以及遵守预防计划的能力。VA需要确定为符合条件的退伍军人提供预防性牙齿保健服务的成本效益和牙齿健康优势。
