Dental Visiting Patterns and Their Associations With Dental Caries and Periodontal Diseases.

Objective: This study was conducted to describe the dental visiting patterns and ascertain their associations with clinically assessed dental caries and periodontal disease levels of dentate Australian adults.

Methods: A three-stage stratified probability sampling design was used to randomly select a cross-section of Australians aged 15+ years. Self-reported oral health and related information was obtained using questionnaire-based interviews. Dental visiting patterns studied were usual frequency of dental visits, usual reason for dental visit, and use of a regular dentist. Oral examinations were conducted following a standardized protocol in public dental clinics. A total of 5022 dentate adults aged 15+ years who were interviewed and orally examined were included in the current analysis.

Results: Higher proportions of adults with lower education levels and no dental insurance usually visited for a dental problem, made dental visits less frequently, and did not use a regular dentist. Individuals who were usually visiting for a dental problem, making dental visits less frequently, and not using a regular dentist had higher levels of dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Conclusions: Dental visiting patterns of Australian adults were associated with their socioeconomic backgrounds. Usually visiting for a dental problem, making dental visits less frequently, and not using a regular dentist were more likely to be associated with higher levels of dental caries and periodontal diseases. These findings may help clinicians to recognize patients at increased risk for dental caries and periodontal diseases while apprising policy makers to plan and implement programs for dental service provision.