Understanding dental service use by older adults: sociobehavioral factors vs need.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated correlates of dental care use in a representative sample of adults aged 70 and older throughout New England.

METHODS

Data were collected in in-home interviews and dental examinations. Following Andersen's behavioral model of health services utilization, varied measures of sociodemographic characteristics, dental health attitudes and practices, perceived need for care, and need objectively determined by clinical examination were included as potential correlates.

RESULTS

Recency of last visit was associated with positive attitudes toward dental care, regular dental hygiene, and having a usual source of care. Among dentulous subjects, recency of last visit also was related to sex and living arrangements. Frequency of visits for dentulous subjects was associated with the same variables, as well as with age and social class or education, in addition to need for care. For edentulous subjects, only a usual source of care and higher social class were associated with more frequent visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived need and attitudes toward dental care are important influences on use of care. Older persons must be convinced of the importance of regular dental care.