Complete Health Indicator Report of Routine dental health care visits
Definition
Percentage of adults ages 18 years and older who reported a dental visit in the past year.Numerator
Number of survey respondents who reported a dental visit within the past 12 months.Denominator
Total number of survey respondents excluding those with missing, "Don't know/Not sure" or "Refused" responses.Data Interpretation Issues
Question text: "How long has it been since you last visited a dentist or a dental clinic for any reason? Interviewer Instruction: Include visits to dental specialists, such as orthodontists." Beginning in 2011, BRFSS data include both landline and cell phone respondent data along with a new weighting methodology called iterative proportional fitting, or raking. This methodology utilizes additional demographic information (such as education, race, and marital status) in the weighting procedure. Both of these methodology changes were implemented to account for an increased number of U.S. households without landline phones and an under-representation of certain demographic groups that were not well-represented in the sample. More details about these changes can be found at: [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/pdf/opha/resource/brfss/RakingImpact2011.pdf]. As with all surveys, some error results from nonresponse (e.g., refusal to participate in the survey or to answer specific questions) and measurement (e.g., social desirability or recall bias). Error was minimized by use of strict calling protocols (up to 15 calls were made to reach each household), good questionnaire design, standardization of interviewer behavior, interviewer training, and frequent, on-site interviewer monitoring and supervision.Why Is This Important?
Regular dental visits are important in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions for all ages. Adults need regular professional care to avoid tooth loss, the need for complex restorative treatment, and even systemic health problems. Even people without teeth need to be monitored regularly for oral health which may be affected by systemic conditions, medications, prosthetic devices, and exposure to tobacco. Infrequent use of dental services has been associated with poor oral health among adults.Other Objectives
Chronic Disease Indicator: Visits to dentist or dental clinic among adults aged >= 18 years.How Are We Doing?
In 2022, 71.5% of Utah adults reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic in the past year (age-adjusted rate). This is down 1.6 percentage points from 2020, but higher than it was 12 years ago (68.7% in 2010).How Do We Compare With the U.S.?
Since 1999, the percentage of Utah adults who reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic in the past year has been higher than reported by adults in the U.S. as a whole (73.1% vs. 64.5% in 2020, and 71.5% vs. 63.4% in 2022).What Is Being Done?
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Oral Health Program current priorities include promoting fluoride and dental sealants, preventing tooth decay in young children, and encouraging annual dental visits for both children and adults through education and outreach to all ages.Available Services
As of October 2024, Medicaid includes basic dental care for children, pregnant women, and adults who fall into the "blind and disabled", "elderly", and "targeted adulted Medicaid (TAM)" populations. TAM is a Medicaid program for a certain population of adults focusing on individuals who are homeless or having substance abuse or mental health problems. At this time there is only emergency coverage for most other adults, though expanded coverage to include dental benefits for all Medicaid-eligible adults is coming soon. For information call 1-888-222-2542 or visit [https://medicaid.utah.gov/]. CHIP includes preventive and restorative services for children. For more information call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) or visit [https://chip.utah.gov/]. There are a few dental clinics located throughout Utah that provide services on a sliding fee scale or at a reduced rate. For more information on these clinics, visit [https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/find-a-dentist-new/] for the Oral Health Program - Find a Dentist website.Related Indicators
Relevant Population Characteristics
Utah adults with less than a high school education and those with annual household incomes less than $25,000 were least likely to receive routine dental care.Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:
Health Care System Factors
In state surveys, Utahns have reported problems with access to dental care. The cost of dental care is the most commonly cited reason for problems with access. Utah adults with dental insurance were more likely to report a dental visit in the past year than those without dental insurance.Related Health Care System Factors Indicators:
Risk Factors
Risk factors that can necessitate more frequent dental visits include smoking and diabetes. In addition those with periodontal disease may need more frequent visits.Related Risk Factors Indicators:
Graphical Data Views
Percentage of adults who reported a dental visit in the past year by income category, Utah, 2022
| Income category | Age-adjusted percentage of adults | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record Count: 6 | ||||||
| <$25,000 | 46.1% | 41.0% | 51.3% | |||
| $25,000-$49,999 | 60.1% | 56.9% | 63.3% | |||
| $50,000-$74,999 | 71.2% | 67.7% | 74.4% | |||
| $75,000+ | 81.0% | 79.2% | 82.7% | |||
| Total | 71.5% | 70.3% | 72.6% | |||
Data Notes
Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 standard population.Data Source
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/selection/brfss/BRFSSSelection.html]Percentage of adults age 25+ who reported a dental visit in the past year by education, Utah, 2022
| Education level | Age-adjusted percentage of adults 25+ | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record Count: 5 | ||||||
| Less than high school | 44.2% | 38.6% | 49.9% | |||
| H.S. grad or G.E.D. | 64.8% | 62.0% | 67.4% | |||
| Some post high school | 71.3% | 69.0% | 73.5% | |||
| College graduate | 82.7% | 81.1% | 84.1% | |||
| Total | 71.8% | 70.6% | 73.0% | |||
Data Notes
Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 standard population.Data Source
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/selection/brfss/BRFSSSelection.html]Percentage of adults who reported a dental visit in the past year, Utah and U.S., 1997-2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022
| BRFSS Utah vs. U.S. | Year | Age-adjusted percentage of adults | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record Count: 33 | ||||||
| UT Old Methodology | 1997 | 71.8% | 69.6% | 73.9% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 1998 | 69.4% | 67.0% | 71.7% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 1999 | 72.6% | 70.5% | 74.7% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2000 | 73.6% | 71.4% | 75.7% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2001 | 76.2% | 74.3% | 78.0% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2002 | 72.9% | 71.1% | 74.7% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2004 | 71.9% | 70.3% | 73.4% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2006 | 69.7% | 68.0% | 71.3% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2008 | 71.7% | 70.1% | 73.3% | ||
| UT Old Methodology | 2010 | 72.6% | 71.4% | 73.9% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 1997 | 66.7% | 66.1% | 67.3% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 1998 | 70.7% | 69.9% | 71.5% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 1999 | 67.9% | 67.5% | 68.3% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2000 | 71.6% | 70.6% | 72.6% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2001 | 70.5% | 69.9% | 71.1% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2002 | 69.4% | 69.0% | 69.7% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2004 | 68.9% | 68.6% | 69.3% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2006 | 67.9% | 67.5% | 68.3% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2008 | 68.3% | 68.0% | 68.6% | ||
| US Old Methodology | 2010 | 67.9% | 67.6% | 68.2% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2010 | 68.7% | 67.6% | 69.8% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2012 | 68.7% | 67.5% | 69.8% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2014 | 69.1% | 68.2% | 70.0% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2016 | 73.0% | 71.8% | 74.1% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2018 | 72.0% | 70.9% | 73.1% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2020 | 73.1% | 72.0% | 74.2% | ||
| UT New Methodology | 2022 | 71.5% | 70.3% | 72.6% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2012 | 65.2% | 64.9% | 65.5% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2014 | 64.1% | 63.8% | 64.4% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2016 | 65.5% | 65.2% | 65.8% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2018 | 66.2% | 65.8% | 66.5% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2020 | 64.5% | 64.1% | 64.9% | ||
| US New Methodology | 2022 | 63.4% | 63.1% | 63.7% | ||
Data Notes
Age adjusted to U.S. 2000 population. U.S. data are the average of all states and the District of Columbia; they do not include U.S. territories. (Beginning in 2002 this is a core BRFSS question which is only asked in even years.) The data in this graph include estimates from the old landline-only methodology, and from the new methodology that includes both landline and cell phone respondent interviews along with a new weighting methodology called iterative proportional fitting, or raking. The new methodology utilizes additional demographic information (such as education, race, and marital status) in the weighting procedure. Both of these methodology changes were implemented to account for an increased number of U.S. households without landline phones and an under-representation of certain demographic groups that were not well-represented in the sample. More details about these changes can be found at: [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/pdf/opha/resource/brfss/RakingImpact2011.pdf].Data Sources
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/selection/brfss/BRFSSSelection.html]
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data, US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Percentage of adults who reported a dental visit in the past year by age, Utah, 2022
| Age group | Percentage of adults | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record Count: 6 | ||||||
| 18-34 | 66.7% | 64.2% | 69.0% | |||
| 35-49 | 71.0% | 68.7% | 73.2% | |||
| 50-64 | 74.5% | 72.1% | 76.7% | |||
| 65+ | 77.4% | 75.2% | 79.5% | |||
Data Source
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/selection/brfss/BRFSSSelection.html]Dental visit in the past year by local health district, Utah, 2022
| Local health district | Age-adjusted percentage of adults | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record Count: 15 | ||||||
| Bear River | 76.3% | 72.1% | 80.1% | |||
| Central | 65.6% | 59.2% | 71.5% | |||
| Davis County | 72.7% | 68.7% | 76.4% | |||
| Salt Lake County | 71.5% | 69.2% | 73.6% | |||
| San Juan | 80.7% | 66.6% | 72.5% | * | ||
| Southeast | 67.3% | 59.8% | 73.9% | |||
| Southwest | 67.0% | 62.4% | 71.2% | |||
| Summit | 69.7% | 59.6% | 78.2% | |||
| Tooele | 71.0% | 65.4% | 76.0% | |||
| TriCounty | 60.0% | 52.2% | 67.3% | |||
| Utah County | 76.1% | 73.7% | 78.4% | |||
| Wasatch | 77.5% | 68.0% | 84.8% | |||
| Weber-Morgan | 68.7% | 64.6% | 72.5% | |||
| State of Utah | 71.5% | 70.3% | 72.6% | |||
| U.S. | 63.4% | 63.1% | 63.7% | |||
Data Notes
Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 standard population.Data Sources
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) [https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/query/selection/brfss/BRFSSSelection.html]
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data, US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
References and community resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Oral Health Resources: [http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth] More information on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System may be found on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - [http://www.cdc.gov/brfss]More Resources and Links
Additional indicator data by state and county may be found on these websites:- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER database, a system for disseminating public health data and information.
- United States Census Bureau data dashboard.
- Utah Healthy Places Index, evidence-based and peer-reviewed tool, supports efforts to prioritize equitable community investments, develop critical programs and policies across the state, and much more.
- County Health Rankings
- Kaiser Family Foundation's State Health Facts
Medical literature can be queried at PubMed library.
Page Content Updated On 10/01/2024,
Published on 10/04/2024