Changes in Prevalence Over Time and Determinants of Dental Care Visits Amongst Tennessee Seniors

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Rates of dental visits of older adults in the United States, particularly in Tennessee, are rapidly increasing, coupled with the growing complexity of older adults’ dental treatment. Notably, increased dental visits help detect and treat dental disease and offer opportunities for preventive care. This longitudinal study aimed to examine the prevalence and determinants of dental care visits amongst Tennessee seniors. Methods: This observational study combined multiple cross-sectional studies. Five even years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance system data were used, including 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Our data were limited to Tennessee seniors (60 years or older). Weighting was conducted to account for the complex sampling design. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with dental clinic visits. A P value $50,000; OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 3.7–8.7). Conversely, Black participants (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.8), participants with fair/poor health (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.8), and those who have never married (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.8) were less likely to report dental visits. Conclusions: Rates of Tennessee seniors visiting dental clinics within 1 year have gradually decreased from 76.5% in 2010 to 71.2% in 2018. Several factors were associated with seniors seeking dental treatment. Effective interventions to improve dental visits should take the identified factors into account.

Keywords

• Oral health
• Dental visits
• Tennessee seniors
• BRFSS
• Longitudinal study