Predictors of preventive dental care

Abstract

Background: It was postulated that parents would receive less preventive dental care than their children and that adults would receive more preventive dental care than parents. Other predictors were also explored. Methods: A convenience sample of adults and parents, presenting to the emergency department, answered questions about age, ethnicity, education, medical insurance, dental insurance, and preventive and emergency dental care in the past year. Parents answered similar questions for a child >3 years to <18 years. Parents were defined as living with their children <18 years. Significant univariate odds ratios based on group (adult, parent or child), age, ethnicity, education, medical insurance, dental insurance and emergency dental care were then analyzed using stepwise logistic regression. Results: Four independent predictors of preventive dental care were found. Adults and African-Americans received less preventive dental care while dental insurance and emergency dental care were associated with more preventive dental care. Conclusions: Emergency physicians can encourage preventive dental care for all patients especially adults, African-Americans and those receiving emergency dental care. Also, those without dental insurance can be assisted.